Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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Right or wrong, I’ve been trained to see math equations in the Bible. I’m not saying this is the best method for reading God’s Word, but it’s how my brain processes and my heart responds. I read a passage, and if there’s a hint of a promise, I tend to turn it into a feel-good formula. Maybe you do this too. The problem with this interpretive tactic is that sometimes I take it too far. Spiritually speaking, I need to check my math. Do you have time for a quick story before I explain?

I was on a road trip with my son recently. While spending time exploring a historic town, we encountered several people in need on the streets. I didn’t have much cash, but I decided not to be as skeptical or stingy as I usually am. The first woman we met was beaming, and I couldn’t help but give her a handout after a brief chat. Not long after that, we ran into a kind-hearted veteran. I prayed with him before handing over what little I had left. For the rest of the day, I kept thinking about God’s generosity toward me and everyone else.

Different from other days, cheerful giving came naturally that morning. Too often, my heart has a hard time giving without expecting a spiritual payback. Sometimes I follow “the formula” I want the Bible to teach—sow generously so that I’ll be blessed abundantly. And so, motivated by self-interest, I finally open my wallet or free up my calendar. Then, when my math doesn’t check out, I get frustrated with God.

Let’s circle back to 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. A common reading goes like this: “Generous + cheerful giving = abundance guaranteed.” In other words, if I sow what I have with open hands and a clear conscience, God will give me more on the backend. But this math formula isn’t in the passage. It’s a challenge to live by—give generously and cheerfully…period. As you do that, you’ll remember what’s universally true—God can and will bless you beyond measure to equip you along the way.

Spiritually speaking, let’s check our math today. Try giving generously and cheerfully, not expecting payback but remembering how wildly generous God is to all of us.

Next Steps

What keeps you from giving generously or cheerfully? Whether you feel like you have a lot or a little to offer, take inventory of your motives and bless someone today because God has been so good to you.