He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly.
The way and worth of genuine beneficence
I. The way.
1. Bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).
2. Deliberately (2 Corinthians 9:7). A spurious charity gives from impulse or pressure.
3. Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
II. The worth. It is the most valuable thing in the universe.
1. In its issues.
(1) It confers happiness on the man who practises it. He will be “blessed in his deed.”
(2) It ensures the blessing of the Almighty.
(a) He sees that the man of charity shall lose nothing by his contributions (2 Corinthians 9:8).
(b) He sees that his beneficent deeds shall be blessed for ever (2 Corinthians 9:9). A good deed is a seed that will go on multiplying for ever.
(3) It alleviates the distress of mankind (2 Corinthians 9:12).
(4) It is promotive of universal worship (2 Corinthians 9:12-13).
2. In itself (2 Corinthians 9:15). What is the “gift” here? Has Paul a special reference to Christ? Be it so. The value of that gift was the love which it incarnated. (D. Thomas.)
Liberal charity stated and recommended on the principles of the gospel
The Scriptures abound in a great variety of the most beautiful images and figurative allusions.
I. Let us begin with calling your attention to the character here represented--“He that soweth bountifully,” in other words, the man of liberal charity.
1. This is a character formed and perfected under the influence of supreme regard to God and the Redeemer. Beneficent love to men is at once a natural consequence and proof of knowing the love of God, and loving Him.
2. The man of liberal charity is one who gives cheerfully according to his ability.
3. True liberal charity is wisely divided amongst many, and proportioned to the objects upon which it acts. It is not, it cannot be confined to near relations, intimate friends, or particular favourites. The principle which gave it birth extends its influence in every possible direction.
4. That may well be called liberal charity which is designed to promote the greatest possible good.
II. Let us now attend to the richness of his reward, expressed in the promise added, that he shall reap also bountifully. Need I here caution you against considering what shall be said on this part of the subject as holding out any deserved recompense to personal merit?
1. The truth of this great and gracious promise will be felt in inward enjoyment and spiritual improvement.
2. Add to this the blessing and prayers of those who receive your help.
3. The promise in the text holds up, as a farther inducement to liberal charity, a richly varied and extensive prospect of good to the world.
4. That he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully in a future and eternal state.
Let me now entreat your attention to the practical improvement of the subject.
1. In the first place, then, it may direct us in forming a just judgment of our own characters.
2. Must not the consideration of this approved character lead us to study and admire that religion from which it receives all its excellence? (R. Balfour.)