Old Testament
Proverbs 11:24-26
24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.
26 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
New Testament
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
Proverbs offers a paradox that only makes sense in a world governed by God: one person gives freely, and yet grows richer; another withholds what they should give, and comes to poverty. The proverb is not naïve about economics. It is naming a spiritual reality: tight fists tighten the soul.
Lord, enlarge our hearts. Free us from stinginess and from show. Teach us cheerful generosity that trusts you, honours the dignity of those we serve, and keeps giving even when there is no applause.
Paul speaks of giving in the language of sowing. The one who sows sparingly reaps sparingly; the one who sows with blessing reaps with blessing. Yet he is careful. God is not a vending machine. The promise is not luxury. The promise is grace: “God is able to make all grace abound to you,” so that you may have enough for every good work.
Charity and volunteering can be polluted by performance, or by guilt, or by a secret desire to control. Scripture offers a quieter motive: gratitude. Generosity is a form of faith. We give because we have received. We share because we are members of one household in Christ, and because every neighbour is precious to God.