The Cheerful Giver

Day 250: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

“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

There is nothing quite so tangible in this world that says so much about us than what we do with money. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our hearts will always follow the investments of our treasures.

Paul is here laying out the “why” and the “how” behind this gift. The Christians in Corinth needed to know why they were giving and how they should give it.

1. God is the supplier. He’s the one who provides all that we have. We don’t deserve financial supply, and we aren’t the owners, even after it’s in our possession. As the Psalmist sings, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains.”

2. We are to give intentionally. Sitting down to plan our giving is the most responsible way to give, and it shows God we are serious about honoring him. He doesn’t need our gifts. Our generosity glorifies God, benefits others, and protects our hearts from selfishness and materialism.

Giving in the name of Jesus is never a waste. It is an eternal investment that will forever be bouncing back with compound interest.

“It is not difficult to suggest why God delights in the cheerful giver. He himself is such a giver and desires to see this characteristic restored among those who were created in his image.”
- Kruse, C. G. (2015). 2 Corinthians, (Vol. 8, p. 217)