Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

–Parallel verses:
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

When I think about some of the favorite gifts I’ve received, a few come to mind: a train set for my fifth birthday, my first bike, and the loan to purchase my first car at no interest. I also have received some gifts that are intangible in nature: 1) an elderly missionary lady who trained me how to pray scripture and claim God’s promises, 2) parents who modeled all-out service to God, and 3) a wife who has loved me and forgiven me over 23 years, in spite of my inadequacy and sinful behavior.

When we think of gifts, many times we think of practical, tangible items. Notice Jesus’ reference to food. But then he compares these gifts to the gift that God gives – the Holy Spirit. This is like comparing one penny to $1,000,000,000. The Holy Spirit is the wisdom, knowledge, conscience, character, love, and heart of God inside us. What an incredible gift!

And in our parallel passage, we are encouraged to be generous and give good gifts ourselves. Do you want to have a great harvest? Then give generously. Do you want to have the love of God? Then give cheerfully. Do you want to have your righteousness endure forever? Give to the poor. When we give sacrificially like this, we place our needs in the hands of God, instead of trying to fulfill them ourselves. Then we get to see the God of the universe provide all of our needs in Christ Jesus. And he gives good gifts. His gifts are eternal.

There is a circular perpetuating process that is defined here: 1) give generously, 2) give from a grateful heart, 3) trust in the Lord to provide your needs, 4) give to the poor, 5) receive the enlargement and increase of righteousness in our lives, 6) have our lives overflow with thanksgiving because of the great gifts of God, and 7) repeat the cycle.

Who would not want to participate in such an incredible cycle of richness and fulfillment?
Lord, teach me to generously give beyond what I think I can. And when I get to my limit, give me wisdom to lean on you for my strength. Then I will experience the great gifts that you give to your faithful servants. My righteousness will expand, and I will be overflowing with thankfulness!