A cursory read might have you think that Paul was the first to preach a prosperity gospel. You know, a “give to God and wait and see how much He’ll give to you” version of the good news.

The financial need among the saints in Jerusalem was great, and as Paul connected with different churches in Asia Minor he wanted them to give greatly to meet that need. And so, Paul urges the Corinthian church toward great generosity. In the midst of that encouragement, Paul seems to play a “you give to God and God will give to you” card.

Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity . . .

(2Corinthians 9:10-11a CSB)

Give and it will be given you, Paul says. The One who owns all things and provides all things will take your giving and also provide and multiply your seed and increase your harvest and you will be enriched in every way. Sounds like a quid pro quo proposition to me. But here’s the thing, Paul’s not talking about reaping a physical harvest, but the harvest of your righteousness.

What’s more, he identifies the fruit of that kind of harvest.

Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone.

(2Corinthians 9:10-13 CSB)

The promised return on investment — the harvest of your righteousness, says Paul — was the harvest of the fruit of thanksgiving to God. It was the abundant reaping of overflowing expressions of thanks to God. Though they might never hear the appreciation directly, their generosity would be credited to their kingdom accounts as the Jerusalem saints gave glory to God for their obedience and generosity because of the gospel.

That’s the promised “prosperity” returned for our generosity; God is glorified. That’s the treasure laid up in heaven for our generous obedience here on earth — God made much of because of our small acts.

So many other motivators that might compel us toward generosity. But is there any greater than that it might bring glory to God? Thinking not.

Oh, that our hearts would be set not on the harvest of material things, but on the harvest of your righteousness. A righteousness found only in Christ. Generously sown in us and through only because of Christ.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

(2Corinthians 9:15 CSB)

Only by His grace. Always for His glory.