Life Plan Devotion #137 [Sowing & Reaping, Day 2]

Hi, Everyone.
One of the things I love to do is give to others. I don't say that with any sense of false pride, because even the gift of giving is God-given. I remember when my family was poor. I also remember when my family began to come up and out of poverty, through hard work and following the Lord, especially in being obedient to tithing and putting God first.
Please remember in your prayers today those who are having WLS today/this week, as well as those who are recovering from surgery. 

Life Plan Devotion #137 [Sowing & Reaping, Day 2]

II Corinthians 9:6 "[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings" (Amplified).

     Two types of sowers or givers are mentioned in II Corinthians 9:6, as well as the reaping that results for each. The Amplified Version says that "...he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings."
     The word "sparingly" is used only once in the early English versions of the Bible, and that is in II Corinthians 9:6. The Greek word for "sparingly" is pheidomenōs (fi-dom-en’-oce), and it means "stingily." The sower or giver who sows sparingly or stingily will reap the same harvest--a small one.
     On the other hand, the sower or giver who sows "generously" or bountifully will reap the same harvest--a large one. Which type of sower/giver are you? In order to answer that question truthfully, you must take a good look at your heart, at the intent of your giving, as well as the amount you give and the harvest you have experienced.
     Check yourself and your experience with the following verses from the Amplified Version of Proverbs 11:24-25. "There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered."
     According to Proverbs 22:9, "A generous man will himself be blessed..." (NIV). Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you... With the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38, NIV).
     If your "harvest" is not what you want it to be, I encourage you to look at your "sowing." The principle is clear; we harvest in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. That's the way it works for the farmer, in the physical realm; that's the way it works for the believer, in the spiritual and physical realm.

What this has to do with weight loss: What do you sow into the lives of others on their weight-loss journey? There are many opportunities to sow. You can sow your time, your talents, and, yes, even your treasure. Whether you're sowing time in prayer for those having surgery, giving a word of encouragement, sharing a protein sample, purchasing vitamins for someone in financial need, or even donating to a fund so someone without insurance can afford surgery, it will all come back to you. I've seen it over and over. It's a good feeling, too, knowing that you helped someone else. We are blessed to be a blessing.

Confession:
I sow seed generously, and I reap a bountiful harvest. I bless others, and I am blessed.

Blessings,
Mary