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Faith

Kingdom investment principles

In the ninth chapter of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul discusses generosity: “Remember this: someone who sows meagrely will also reap meagrely. Someone who sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide generously for you, so that you will always having everything you need, and can do all kinds of good work.”

Those who subscribe to prosperity-gospel theology interpret this passage as meaning that God promises to provide a large financial reward to someone who is generous with donations. However, that is not in my view the correct interpretation of what Paul is saying. When a farmer sows seed, the expected harvest is grain. When a person contributes generosity to gospel work, the expected harvest is the extension of God’s kingdom, not an increase in personal  financial wealth.

Paul does go on to say: “The one who supplies seed to the farmer and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed,” but this is a general statement that God will look after his servants; it does not suggest that a person who gives money to a Christian cause will reap a harvest of money. The harvest which is promised is far more valuable than that.