“GODLY GIVING AND JUSTICE"

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."

2 Corinthians 9:10

How does our giving relate to justice? And does the Bible promise a substantial monetary return when we support God’s ministry?

This section in the ninth chapter of Paul's letter to the Corinthians talks about the Apostle's urge to practice righteous, generous giving. He is encouraging them to be generous in their giving to the suffering Christians in Jerusalem.

Paul teaches that giving should be voluntary and spontaneous. Believers shouldn't view it as a mandate, or an obligation, or do it out of fear or pressure. In the previous verses, Paul states that godly giving opens up a door to allow God to provide for the giver's needs when he needs it.

In verse 10, Paul quotes Isaiah 55:10, which uses the terms "seed" and "bread" to refer to God's Word and the literal harvest in the field. The idea is that the God who provides for all His creatures' needs, is the same God who makes sure the ones He made in His image have all they need to exist. This truth is a reminder that whatever kind of success we have, we must never forget that our ability to work and produce wealth comes from God (Deuteronomy 8:18).

In a more practical sense, we can give because God enables us to do so; we can be a blessing because God continuously blesses us. Paul uses a farming term to describe the point that one’s generosity is multiplied by God. The Lord supplies the farmer with the seed needed to produce a harvest of grain, and ultimately food. As such, He also will supply the resources needed to produce a harvest of good deeds.

It's also important to note that the one who enjoys the increase is the receiver, not the giver. Technically, when we give, it means that we lose something, so someone else may have it. With that in mind, this verse doesn't necessarily promise that the giver will financially prosper. Besides, Paul says, "increase the harvest of your righteousness."

Righteousness is closely related to justice. In fact, righteousness and justice are the same in classical Greek (dikaiosune). The term means “equity (of one’s character or act).” It is the condition acceptable to God as seen in one’s integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, and correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.

When we give according to biblical principles, we help meet the needs of others; we also give glory to God, who is the source of everything we have. If God is glorified in what we do, He will make it a point to bless (not only in financial terms) us so that our acts of righteousness will multiply.

He is the God who values faithfulness, mercy, and justice (Matthew 23:23). He is our Provider and Sustainer. But let's not forget, He is also the God of justice; He loves compassion and fairness. And to be used by Him to render justice in our little ways is an incredible privilege.

Pursue the Savior today!