2Corinthians 9:6
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
While having coffee with a new friend today, we were both given a new perspective from the Lord; He reminded us how we must cultivate our friendships.
cultivate
1.to prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops; till.
2.to use a cultivator on.
3.to promote or improve the growth of (a plant, crop, etc.) by labor and attention.
4.to produce by culture:to cultivate a strain of bacteria.
5.to develop or improve by education or training; train; refine:to cultivate a singing voice.
6.to promote the growth or development of (an art, science, etc.);foster.
7.to devote oneself to (an art, science, etc.).
I believe the Lord is calling me to learn to cultivate many areas in my life…
I am called to cultivate the garden of my heart…as in #1. I am called to cultivate my relationships as in #3. I am called to cultivate my knowledge of God’s word and how it plays out in my life and the life of those around me as in #5 and 6. And, most importantly, I am called to cultivate my relationship with Jesus…without Him nothing else is possible. I want to fall more and more in love with my Savior, devoted wholly to Him. I want my life to reflect the love that He has shown me…the peace He has given me and the joy I have experienced since I said, “Yes!” to Him.
We are all called to give of ourselves, reaching out to those around us and becoming involved in one another’s journey. It’s so easy to just be “busy” with our own lives. But God calls us to be givers. He is the ultimate giver, and when we partner with Him, Jesus is made manifest through us.
2 Corinthians 9 (NLT)
The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem
9 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.[a] 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece[b] were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[c] 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”[d]
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity[e] in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem[f] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift[g] too wonderful for words!
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