God Loves a Cheerful Giver

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly our under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver,” (2 Cor. 9:7)

As Christians, we can give cheerfully because we know that God will take care of us and reward us abundantly. But we’re not driven to give primarily because of an expectation to receive (2 Cor. 9:6) but because we have already received (John 3:16).

Some Bible examples to follow

·      Give more than just money: In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan who gave time, resources, and skill to meet the need of a man who had been left for dead at the side of the road — demonstrating the valuable gifts of mercy, kindness, and hospitality.

·      Give to see the impossible happen: In Matthew 14:14-21, a little boy gave his small lunch of a few loaves and fishes to Jesus, and He used it to feed over 5,000 people — demonstrating that gifts in God’s hands can be divinely multiplied to meet the demands of greater works.

·      Give out of substance, not size: In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus compares the widow’s mite to the rich man’s gift — demonstrating that all gifts are blessed by God and that He sees the significance of a gift even when others don’t.

Therefore

“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.” (2 Cor. 9:8 ESV)

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” (Prov. 22:9 ESV)