Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7)
My father loved to help others. God rewarded him abundantly, and he gave abundantly. During the early years when money was tighter, my parents were attending a missionary service. He had already given his offering, but he felt like they should give a gift to the missionary’s wife. My father opened his wallet and showed my mother a sizable bill. She nodded her head in agreement. Mom shared this with me, recalling the joy they received through the act of giving.
Giving begrudgingly is not biblical giving. God loves cheerful giving—the giving that makes a smile break out in your heart. It’s seeing a need and responding out of love. It is holding on to your money loosely, ensuring you do not begin to love it over loving those in need. It is giving in a quiet manner without the need for public praise. The attitude we have towards our giving is often a natural condition of our love of Jesus.
What project has God put in front of you? A building project at your place of worship? An overseas donation to help spread the gospel? Financial help for a widow, single mother, or college student? Not only will you find joy by giving, but you will also take on Christ’s nature as a generous and loving Christian.
Give with open hands and a joyful heart.
Pamela J. Kuhn’s husband is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. Her favorite word is joy; her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
