2 Corinthians 9:6-10 - The Generous Barn

There were certain things that my dad liked to include in his paintings. One was barns. Being born and raised in Chicago, he had a fascination with the countryside.

He did one particular painting for my mom. At the end of a shaded, dirt road is a red barn. A silo and chicken coop stand next to the barn. The farmer is not in sight, but he left hay overflowing from the loft.

Barns and crops are referenced throughout scripture to teach us lessons, such as generosity.

As Paul wrote to churches throughout the Mediterranean area, he urged them to contribute to the needs of Christians in Jerusalem, impoverished twice over by famine and persecution. He used the imagery of harvesting crops when writing to the Corinthian church:

"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.” 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.” 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 in you." (2 Corinthians 9:6–10, New Living Translation, 2015)

Perhaps you've heard it said, "You can't out-give God." My wife and I are not the only ones to verify that over and over again.

Obviously, the barn I described with an overflowing haymow meant that the farmer didn't give away all his crop. We're not supposed to give away so much that we make ourselves a burden to others. (2 Thessalonians 3:7ff)

Consider, however, the widow who contributed her last two coins. Jesus commended her because everyone else...
“...gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44, NLT)  
On the other hand Paul said, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give." So we pray about what we should give to others...

Heavenly Father, We stand in need of financial wisdom. You've been more than generous with many of us, supplying way more than bare necessities. First, give us gratitude for what we've received. And secondly, make our hearts generous, reflecting Your own heart to those in need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

PS - "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine." (Proverbs 3:9–10, NLT)