For example, he said, the verse "for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap"(Galatians 6:7) is not about giving but is about doing deeds that "sow to the flesh" which reaps corruption or deeds that "sow to the Spirit" and reaping life everlasting. But the verse "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously"(2 Cor 9:6) is really about giving.
While reading the Bible, I began looking at Philippians 4. The Apostle Paul had some words for the Philippians concerning their giving physical support to him. Philippians 4:14-19 were about Paul telling the Philippians how their gifts had helped him and that he was not asking for more from them but encouraging them that God considers their gifts as a fragrant offering. And Paul declares that God will supply all their needs according to His glorious riches.
As I was reading through Philippians 4:10-20, the Lord showed me that the context of our favorite memory verse, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13), was in the context of the Paul describing his economic situation. He said " I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.... I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
To apply the verse in my life, I replaced some words with some contemporary terms: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances...I know what it is to be in an economic crisis, and I know what it is to have lots of money in the bank... Or: I know what it is to pay 17 pesos per liter of gas(in 1997), and I know what it is to pay 60 pesos per liter of gas(2008)." Yet I will say: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want...whether the economy is in recession or not...whether we are paying a loan or not.... I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "
Right now my husband and I are buying a small house. We have a downpayment to pay up to January, and the balance will be paid for by a 10-years-to-pay bank loan. Gas prices in the Philippines are at 60 pesos a liter (it's more expensive than the US, it's around $5.50/gallon, since we do not have our own supply of oil). We are trying to save and lessen our expenses, but I don't feel sorry for myself when I am scrimping. I also don't try to live a luxurious lifestyle. I don't maintain a high standard of living, because it would be harder to live simply when economic problems hit. By the Lord's grace, He has given me a humble heart...He has given me grace to be content and not complain. And by His grace and wisdom, I can say, like Paul. "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.... I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:10-20
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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