Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 WEB
As Christians we are called to follow the example of Jesus. Jesus teaches his disciples to give freely. In Matthew 10:8, Christ says, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. WEB” Having freely received the kingdom of heaven, Christ instructed his followers to give freely of themselves in service to the kingdom. In addition, scripture teaches that God loves a cheerful giver.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul teaches to give according to the determination of the heart. This is based on practices established in antiquity. As we read in 1 Chronicles 29:17, “I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now have I seen with joy your people, that are present here, offer willingly to you. WEB”
The Willingness of the Heart
Rooted in Old Testament scripture, Paul’s teaching encourages each person to determine whether or not to give and to what level they will contribute. We read in Exodus 25:2 God’s request for an offering which reads, “Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing, you shall take my offering. WEB” Again, we see giving in relation to the willingness of the heart.
We are to give freely as Christ says. In addition, we are to give with a joyful heart. But also, we give in proportion to what we have and make this decision ourselves. As we read in 2 Corinthians 8:12, “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have. WEB”
God loves a cheerful giver. He also wants righteousness to motivate our giving and not self-promotion. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:2, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. NIV”
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for providing for my needs. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Give me wisdom to use my resources to the benefit of the kingdom. Help me to be a cheerful giver. Give me a happy heart in the service of others. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Earth Is the Lord’s
