EquippedMama

“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.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-11, The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Why is it difficult to be generous? Giving of oneself is always a challenge, but in the season of raising little ones, living a life of generosity can require true sacrifice.

For many, raising little ones requires substantial budget changes. Often, households morph from two salaries into a one-income home, or the additional expense of daycare vies for a hefty percentage of those paychecks. Additional necessities like diapers, formula, car seats and other baby must-haves carve out hundreds of dollars we didn’t expect. Generosity with funds becomes a meaningful decision, rather than a passing whim when the budget is strained like this.

Time becomes precious. Perhaps before children visiting a loved one was a regular part of your week. With a little one (or ones) a trip even across town might cost you a restful afternoon and require an evening with an out-of-sorts toddler. Lengthy phone conversations can be a few and far between, as tiny hands run away with the glitter glue or kitchen shears as your friend shares deeply important things from her life. Sharing of your time can be a true sacrifice in a way that you have not previously experienced.

Relationships become sacred, and more difficult to share than ever. In this season it can be so easy to grasp at relationships in a self-serving manner. It can be so tempting to constantly push children at husbands or family members and beg them to “just give you a break.” These things are all realities of the season in which we mother. These factors all make generosity a command that is vital and difficult to follow.

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

2 Corinthians 9:6

My husband loves to garden. He has a challenging and high-stress job and when he returns home he loves to unwind by spending time with us and with his plants.

Because he loves homegrown tomatoes, fresh basil and ripe cantelope straight from the vine, he often plants far more than we actually need. The harsh sun and relentless drought in central Texas often claim some of his plants, but with patient care, he is often rewarded by an ample harvest of fresh produce. He could never experience such wonderful returns, however, if he only planted two or three seeds. He has to plan for the harvest, and with this end in mind, he faithfully waters and weeds his seedlings and helps them grow into maturity.

Likewise, we mamas must plan for the harvest. This is a season where planting is hard. It’s a challenge to plant seeds of generosity while balancing potty training, discipline, work, meal planning and all the rest. But we are promised good rewards for our labors of love.

We are encouraged to give generously. We are not to let everyone know what a sacrifice our giving is. Friends and co-workers should not feel like they put us out every time they ask for a favor and we accept. We must give generously, cheerfully, and with a truly joy-filled heart.

And what’s the best part of this type of generosity? The Lord provides us with just what we need so we can be equipped to live a lifestyle of giving. Paul encourages the church at Corinth (and us too!) when he writes:

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. 

2 Corinthians 9:8

So is it a challenge to be generous? Absolutely.

Is it a command? Yes!

Is it a good work, blessed by the Lord and rewarded with a bountiful harvest?

Yes.

So give. Give generously. Give joyfully. Give obediently. Give expectantly, relying on the Lord to meet your needs and give you the sufficiency you require for every good work.

Photo of tea cup by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Photo of tomato and plant by MIX Company on Pexels.com