2 Corinthians 9:6
Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
As a child I remember my parents imploring me to work hard in my studies, because it would pay off in the future. Now that I have children, I have tried to instill that same value system. Work hard, invest in the future and it will be bountiful for when you need it. Farmers do the same. They plant for today, but also store vegetables and grain for the future, during the winter months when planting cannot take place. You have to take care of the "now" and the "coming". Investors do the same thing with finances.
In the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, Paul shares that if you don't invest much, then you will not reap much. If you plant only a few seeds, only a few flowers and plants will grow; if you plant much, a beautiful garden and harvest springs forth. If you have God in your heart, and don't share that gift of joy, of hope, of love, then the harvest is limited. You cannot bring others to that same happiness and joy that is found in Christ. God has given you everything wants you to share your bounty with the poor in spirit, and poor in life. Feed the hungry, clothe the poor, visit the sick and prisoned. If you've been blessed with a surplus, you should share with the less fortunate. Pray for the courage and faith to trust in God for the ability to share of your blessings, for you will be blessed even more!
