3-Day Bible Reading Plan: Giving Has Great Gains

“When we focus more on the loss we experience when we give, we will be more reluctant to give. When we focus more on the gains we experience when we give, we will be more likely to seize the opportunities for generosity that come our way. When the apostle Paul was trying to encourage the Corinthians to meet the financial needs of their Jerusalem brothers, he focused on the gains they would receive from giving sacrificially. Paul was trying to open their eyes to the gains they failed to see. If they could adjust their perspective and bring into view these wonderful gains, they would be glad to participate in the offering that Paul was collecting to meet the needs of the Jerusalem church.” - Pastor Paul Crandell, 5/19/24

Day 1: Our Perspective on Giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Deuteronomy 15:10)

• Featured Verse: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

• Cross References:

1. Deuteronomy 15:10: "You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake."

• Reflection Questions:

1. When you think about giving, do you focus more on the sacrifice or the potential benefits?

2. How can you cultivate a more joyful and cheerful attitude towards giving?

Day 2: The Gains of Giving (2 Corinthians 9:6, 8-10)

• Featured Verse: "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10)

• Cross References:

1. Proverbs 11:24-25: "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

• Reflection Questions:

1. How does the analogy of the farmer and the seed illustrate the concept of gains from giving?

2. According to these verses, what is the source of the "gains" we receive through giving?

Day 3: Who Benefits from Giving? (2 Corinthians 9:11-15)

• Featured Verse: "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

• Cross References:

1. Romans 15:26: "For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem."

• Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways do the giver, the receiver, and God all benefit from acts of generosity according to this passage?

2. How can reflecting on these "gains" motivate you to be more generous?