The principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life, not just your finances. Whatever you sow in life, you’re going to reap. Whatever you deposit is going to be returned to you.

If you sow criticism in life, you are going to reap criticism from other people. If you sow kindness, you’re going to reap kindness. It’s the law of the harvest. If you plant apple seeds, you don’t get pears; you get apples. If you sow with generosity, you will reap generosity.

The Bible teaches about sowing and reaping in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “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” (NIV).

This is the principle of the harvest: Whenever you have a need, plant a seed. When a farmer looks at his barren fields, he doesn’t gripe about it. He goes out and starts planting seed.

If he only has a little bit of seed, he has a choice. He can either hoard it or give it away. If he holds on to it, that’s all he’s got. If he gives it away, God will multiply it. The amazing thing is this: You don’t just reap what you sow. You always reap more than you sow! 

God set it up this way because he wants you to become like him. God is a giver. The only way you’re ever going to become like him is to learn to be generous. When you’re stingy, you’re like the devil. When you’re generous, you’re like God. When you give it away, God multiplies it.

This sounds illogical—to give away when you have a need. But that’s why it requires faith! God says the way you get is by giving, not by holding on.