And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. ESV

We note the repetition of the word ”all” in this verse, and the appearance of ”every”. This points to a comprehensive abundance in order to live the out-going life to which we are called.

We should not shy away from the Biblical world-view that says that if we give generously give to God, He will give back to us abundantly. But as we work through this passage we will see that the abundance is to enable further (and, I believe, greater) giving. It is not for hoarding, but for sharing.

Tom Hale is a missionary statesman, and I will quote him a number of times over the coming days. It seems to me that he has a helpful, and balanced, Biblical understanding of this subject. With regard to this verse he writes: ‘Let us never think that if we give to the Lord we will suffer loss. When a farmer sows seed in the ground, the seed is not lost – it turns into a harvest! God is able to make all grace abound to us – in all things at all times (see Matthew 6:31-33; Philippians 4:19…). What an amazing promise! God be praised!’ (Applied New Testament Commentary).

‘Even if I give the whole of my wealth to Him, He will find a way to give back to me much more than I gave.’ C.H. Spurgeon