Word For The Day: Be Generous

Happy Farmer’s Day. This holiday brings attention to the enormous contribution that farmers make to our society. According to public records, Agriculture contributes about 19% to Zambia’s GDP and employs 75% of the population. Still, less than 20% of its arable land is cultivated.

When I think of a farmer, I think of my grandfather. Pearl Hunt was a dairy farmer, and as a hobby, he grew acres of vegetables and fruit. Visiting Grandma’s kitchen was a fresh feast at every meal. He trusted God, worked hard, and was generous.

Paul, encouraging the Corinthian church to be generous in their giving, uses a farming illustration. He reminded them that it is God who provides the farmer seeds for sowing and the abundant harvest. God is generous in His care and provision. We should be like Him!

2 Corinthians 9:6-11
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 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. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Take a moment this morning to thank God for His blessings upon us and upon our nation. Determine to work hard, trust God, and be generous with what He blesses you with.

Have a great Farmer’s Day!
Pastor Phil