What does 2 Corinthians 9:11 mean?

Here in these verses, Paul is answering an unspoken question: Why should Christians willingly and cheerfully give money, or time, or energy, or effort to meet the needs of others? If giving is not mandated, and percentages are not required of a believer, then what's the primary motivation for our gifts?

This chapter has established that God is ultimately the one who provides for those in need (2 Corinthians 9:10). The Creator provides both the seed and the bread. He distributes freely what is needed to the poor.

A Christian's willingness to give allows the believer to participate in what God is doing. It is about more than simply getting people fed. It is also about increasing God's righteousness on earth—bringing more thankfulness to Him. Charitable Christians have the privileged opportunity to participate in God's work simply by generous giving.

Paul adds here that God will enrich those believers who give generously. This is so they may continue to give, to meet the needs of others even more generously. From this perspective, wealth is not a reward from God for generous giving. We are not meant to give so that we will become rich. Any increase in resources comes with the expectation from God that it will be given away again and again to meet the needs of others.