Recently, I met an astounding person. An individual who is kind, hopeful and exceedingly generous. It was humbling for me to see this person in action.

The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:16 challenged the believers in Corinth with this statement:

Remember this “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

When we read this verse, our heads may turn immediately, and maybe instinctually, to our finances but it is so much more that that. I was inspired as I watched my new friend give freely of their time, their talents and their heart to a cause that they cared so deeply about. What impressed me was how they showed up, and how by showing up their corner of the world was changed.

Now when I think of a person who sows generously, I think of a person who is constantly going above and beyond the status quo. Somebody who is going above and beyond the call of duty. This is not a person who is just going through life checking boxes in their home, in their job or in their school, but this is a person who is looking for opportunities to exceed other people’s expectations.

But here is what I also find true, in the case of my new friend who so generously goes above and beyond for others, they find themselves in situations that are above and beyond where they thought they would be in life.

What would have taken them 5 years to achieve, only took them 2 and I believe that happened as a result of the mindset they carry as it pertains to generosity.

Paul makes it clear in the surrounding text that we don’t give to get. If we give, we should do so willingly and joyfully —not begrudgingly.

And what we sow with the right heart, God will surely multiply what we produce!

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

How might you sow generously today? How can you go above and beyond for someone else?

With your attention?

With your words?

With your actions?

With your money?

Look for an opportunity to go above and beyond for someone else for as you sow generously, you will also reap generously!