Seed Your Own Need!

We're told in this passaage of Scripture that if we "give sparingly, we'll reap sparingly"...but if we "sow boundifully, we'll reap bountifully."  Secondly, we're asked to "give as one purposes in his heart--not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a CHEERFUL giver."  We're to give willingly and with a good attitude.  Cheerful describes a spirit of enjoyment in giving that sweeps away all restraint (hilarious giving).

1st - God is the One who provides all that you have need of.  2nd - God gives us what is sufficient for all our needs --and even more than we need.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others!  3rd - God provides the SEED....and only He can give the increase so that you will have an over-abundance to share with others.

I knew a rather poor lady, who attended the church I pastored.  She never put even a nickel in the offering plate.  Now I knew she wasn't so poor that she couldn't give something!  Even though she never gave any $$$$...she gave of her time and her talents.

My husband's aunt was very poor, but she gave what she had.  One Sunday we drove down to see her.  She lived on a farm in Bucyrus.  She asked us to stay for supper.  While we were there, several more people popped in for a visit.  By dinnertime, there must've been 20 people gathered 'round the table (which we extended a couple times--using folding tables).  All she had to offer were homegrown strawberries and shortcake.  But we had the best time...laughing and sharing together!  And I've sat at other tables--with fine food (and plenty of it), but the atmosphere was cold and the conversation was sparce.  What a difference between the two!!! 

My mother had the heart of a giver.  Her home was always open...she always offered food to eat or put something in your hand (if you had a need).  When she gave you a gift--there were NEVER any "strings attached."  She didn't publicize her generous heart of giving...she just quietly gave-and-gave-and gave!  It gave her JOY to give--but sometimes selfish and greedy sponging relatives "robbed " her of her joy because they, time-after-time, took advantage of her.  There are many "takers" in the world, but few "givers!"  

Seed your own need.  You can't outgive God!  If you need a friend BE a friend; if you want others to be kind towards you, BE kind to others, etc.  GIVE and it shall be GIVEN unto you, by God, and more than you ever expected IF you give from your heart.  Remember, God loves a cheerful giver!