Cheerfully Above and Beyond

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

It is written: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (II Cor. 9:6-8)
The subject of the text is NOT the tithes and offerings which belong to the LORD and must be returned unto Him. The subject is that which is “above and beyond” the amount that is required by God. The reference of the text is to an extra giving for the needs of the saints and for the work of the ministry. It is heaven’s special grace and burden upon the heart to provide for others, especially for those who strive to sow the precious seed of God’s Holy Word. Is it not written: “How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Rom. 10:14,15) As you see, the need of the spreading of the Gospel is constantly before us. But, who will give?
Likewise, it is also written: “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;” (II Cor. 9:10) When you cheerfully out of your heart supply the means for the sower, God increases the fruits of your righteousness. Isn’t it wonderful to know that by providing for the pastor and missionaries your fruits of righteousness are multiplied? Enabling them to sow without hindrances multiplies the seed that is sown, and your gifts make it possible, which is as if you have been doing the sowing yourself. Giving above and beyond is multiplying yourself into the fields.
The Scriptures teach that God promises every believer bountiful reaping, if he sows cheerfully and bountifully. GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER! The question is: how cheerful and bountiful is your giving “above and beyond” your tithes and offerings? It is indeed a sweet sacrifice before God to have opportunities to give to the work of the ministry and to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.