Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

"But this [I say,] He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. [Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work: as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever. And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God. For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God; seeing that through the proving [of you] by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of [your] contribution unto them and unto all; while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." — 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (ASV)

Money given in charity may seem to the carnal mind to be thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Careful consideration of our circumstances, and of those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses.

Help should be given freely, whether it is more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter and yet increase, others withhold more than is right, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we would waste less on ourselves and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase. Can a person lose by doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound toward us and to abound in us, giving a large increase of spiritual and temporal good things.

He can enable us to have enough in all things and to be content with what we have. God gives not only enough for ourselves, but also that with which we may supply the needs of others, and this should be like seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession and to the praise and glory of God.

Let us strive to copy the example of Christ, being tireless in doing good and considering it more blessed to give than to receive.

Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of his grace, by which He enables and inclines some of his people to give to others, and others to be grateful for it. And blessed be his glorious name to all eternity for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing pertaining to life and godliness are freely given to us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds.