2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8

 

When I read this word this morning, this immediate thought comes to my mind, “You reap what you sow…” If you do good works, you will abound in blessings. In today’s world, people tend more to think of karma when it comes to doing good so as to receive good. But there is a big difference in karma and this verse from scripture. Karma is the belief that both the good and bad experiences in this life stem from deeds done in the current, as well as previous lives. Karma is the reaping of either good or bad based on how you live in this life and in the past life, and it can accumulate to balance out the positive or negative consequences we may expect. Our verse this morning, and the verse about reaping what you sow is based on the word “sow”, which means in scripture “to conceive, to bear, or to yield.” Reap of course, means “to harvest.” Our verse this morning is based upon the grace of God and what He is able to give you here on earth and in eternity. We are not, nor do not believe in past lives, or reincarnation to affect this life. Our life is guided by the Holy Spirit of God. The effects of Karma and living a life of faith are very different in the way we think and believe. The grace of God is a gift, and it is He who not only gives us all blessings, though we are unworthy, but will increase them in us to so that we will bear fruit. The Lord does this so that our good works will help others by all means possible. They are not granted to us for our own pleasure or to keep them to ourselves, but so that as we reach out others they will be blessed. Sometimes we are afraid that if we give to others we ourselves will lack. When we think this way, we hold back. I am not necessarily talking financial giving, for it could be any generosity we hold to our self. The apostle here is saying that God is more than sufficient in His giving so that what you may need you will not lack in the aid of others. God encourages us to do good works, not for ourselves, but for His kingdom and His glory.

Pastor Julia


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