“The generous soul shall prosper (Proverbs 11:25)”. When we give to others, we shall be given in return (Luke 6:38). How is it then that many give but never break out of lack?

I believe the number one reason for this contradiction is the over-emphasis on receiving (so that we can satisfy our needs and wants) vis-à-vis giving (to solve people’s problems). Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When givers have this scripture the other way round – more concerned about what they shall receive than giving to bless others – prosperity will elude them and they will remain in lack.

When we give, the Bible unashamedly teaches us to expect to receive from God. However, we are not supposed to major in the effect (receiving), but in the cause (giving). We should delight more in giving than in what we are going to receive back.

Let me take this a little higher: A true godly giver must be very excited in receiving back from what they gave because that return is going to enable them to have more to give away. Using agriculture terminology, a sower must eagerly look forward to a harvest because from that harvest s/he will have more seed to sow.

Paul did not motivate the Corinthians to give to the poor by only telling them that they will be blessed in return. He also told them that the returns on their giving will enable them to have more to give, in addition to having their needs met, of course. This is how he put it:

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart . . . And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

Then he further says: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever” (2 Corinthians 9:9). Righteousness in this verse means good deeds, according to God. So in essence, Paul is saying that a person who gives to the poor will be given more so that he can always do the good deeds of giving to the poor.

Furthermore, in verse 10 he says: “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness”. There it is again; what you give is multiplied in return so that you can have more deeds of righteousness – the good works of blessing people.

Then one more time, for the purpose of emphasis, Paul repeats himself in other words by saying, “You are enriched in everything for all liberality” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Simply said, when increase comes because you give, that increase is majorly to enable you to give more.

Therefore my brother and sisters, the giving that pleases God, that which will destroy lack in your life, is that which is more delighted with giving – even when it receives a harvest – than about receiving. Why? Because, in the words of our Lord Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

God bless you.