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18th December 2024
WednesdayReflection
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'Mary Fairchild'
'Learn Religions'
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God Loves a Cheerful Giver
While encouraging the believers in Corinth to give generously, Paul didn't want them to give beyond their means, "reluctantly or under compulsion."
Most importantly, he wanted them to rely on their inner convictions.
This passage and this devotional are reminders that God is more concerned about the motives of our heart than our actions.
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
... 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
The main idea of 2 Corinthians 9:7 is that our giving ought to be voluntary and spring from a cheerful attitude.
Paul is speaking about financial giving, but voluntary and cheerful giving goes beyond the scope of monetary giving.
Have you ever noticed how some people enjoy being miserable?
They like to complain about anything and everything, but especially about the things they do for other people.
An appropriate label for bellyaching about the sacrifices we make to help someone else is the "Martyr Syndrome."
A long time ago, a wise preacher said,
"Never do something for someone if you're going to complain about it later."
He went on, "Only serve, give, or do what you're willing to do happily, without regret or complaint."
It's a good lesson to learn. Unfortunately, we don't always live by this rule.
Scripture reiterates this idea many times.
About giving to the poor, Deuteronomy 15:10-11 states:
You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.' (ESV)
Not only does God love cheerful givers, but he blesses them.
When we are generous in our giving to others, God returns the same measure of generosity to us:
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
.... Luke 6:38, NIV
If we complain about giving and the things we do for others, in essence, we rob ourselves of a blessing from God and a chance to receive back from him.
Is there any better way to learn how to be a voluntary and cheerful giver than to observe the way Jesus gave?
Jesus never once complained about the sacrifices he made.
As God's grace toward us reproduces his graciousness in us, it pleases him.
As people began to struggle with the downturn in the economy in 2009, Cross Timbers Community Church in Argyle, Texas, attempted to help.
The pastor told the people,
"When the offering plate comes by, if you need money, take it from the plate."
The church gave away $500,000 in just two months.
They helped single moms, widows, a local mission, and some families behind on their utility bills.
The day they announced the "take-from-the plate" offer, they received their largest offering ever.
If we give grudgingly, it's a sign of an underlying heart condition.
God loves a cheerful giver because the gift comes from a heart that has been made glad.
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This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
Mary Fairchild
Learn Religions
Mary Fairchild is a Christian writer, editor, and full-time minister.
Since 2005, Mary has authored hundreds of articles on Christianity and the Bible for several Dotdash brands.
In May 1991, Mary received a General Biblical Studies degree from an Interdenominational Christian Training Center in Central Florida.
She also holds a Missions Degree from Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School, where she graduated in August 1991.
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