2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV
“A Cheerful
Giver”
“ 6The point is this: whoever
sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also
reap bountifully. 7Each one must give as he has decided in his
heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
It has been said that in this world there
are two types of people, givers and takers. “The takers eat better but the
givers sleep better!” We see three
key points in these passages on Christ Centered giving.
1st
our giving is to be bountiful/generous; 2nd it is out of our willing
heart; 3rd it is cheerful.
As Paul’s first point on the principle of generosity in verse 6, if you give just a little here & there, then that is what you get back. True, in all spiritual things, as well as in our material things. But on the other hand, he says, if you give bountifully, you will reap bountifully. It is obvious that Paul is showing us that the Lord is strongly encouraging a generous spirit.
The second point to our giving, in the beginning of verse 7, is that we should possess a willing heart to give. Giving is always a matter of the heart. It is not the amount that God is concerned about. It is whether you have a generous attitude/heart and are you anxious to meet the needs of your church body, it’s ministries, and others, out of whatever you to have. Know that throughout scripture a minimum of a tenth of first fruits is emphasized, but this is not legalism. Giving without the right heart no matter what you give is not pleasing to God, we do at time worry but our hearts trust God’s True Word. Trust in the heart and being doers of His Word is what shows willingness.
The third point to our giving, in the end of verse 7, is that, it be done, “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our giving should not only be generous and willing but also with Joy & Cheerfulness! God loves a cheerful giver.
Giving is a matter of trust. When we give, can we trust God to meet our own needs and strengthen our faith? I have learned so many times how we can truly trust the Lord. When I first heard from His Word that we needed to tithe, we were living paycheck to paycheck. Vicki & I agreed, we just needed to trust God. We were nervous but we knew it was the truth and that quiet voice was from the Holy Spirit. So we started to give and I can’t tell you how much we have learned over the years, how faithful God’s promises are, which continues to flow into all areas of our life. So, we choose to give, generously, willingly and cheerfully, being doers of His Truth (our resources, time, heart & all). We all can reap the beautiful promises & blessings God has for us as we choose to give generously, willingly, and cheerfully. Our blessing are not defined by worldly things, His blessings are way above that, they never parish! “We can never outgive God!” (2 Corinthians 9:8; Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38; Luke 13:21; Malachi 3:6-13)
As Paul’s first point on the principle of generosity in verse 6, if you give just a little here & there, then that is what you get back. True, in all spiritual things, as well as in our material things. But on the other hand, he says, if you give bountifully, you will reap bountifully. It is obvious that Paul is showing us that the Lord is strongly encouraging a generous spirit.
The second point to our giving, in the beginning of verse 7, is that we should possess a willing heart to give. Giving is always a matter of the heart. It is not the amount that God is concerned about. It is whether you have a generous attitude/heart and are you anxious to meet the needs of your church body, it’s ministries, and others, out of whatever you to have. Know that throughout scripture a minimum of a tenth of first fruits is emphasized, but this is not legalism. Giving without the right heart no matter what you give is not pleasing to God, we do at time worry but our hearts trust God’s True Word. Trust in the heart and being doers of His Word is what shows willingness.
The third point to our giving, in the end of verse 7, is that, it be done, “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our giving should not only be generous and willing but also with Joy & Cheerfulness! God loves a cheerful giver.
Giving is a matter of trust. When we give, can we trust God to meet our own needs and strengthen our faith? I have learned so many times how we can truly trust the Lord. When I first heard from His Word that we needed to tithe, we were living paycheck to paycheck. Vicki & I agreed, we just needed to trust God. We were nervous but we knew it was the truth and that quiet voice was from the Holy Spirit. So we started to give and I can’t tell you how much we have learned over the years, how faithful God’s promises are, which continues to flow into all areas of our life. So, we choose to give, generously, willingly and cheerfully, being doers of His Truth (our resources, time, heart & all). We all can reap the beautiful promises & blessings God has for us as we choose to give generously, willingly, and cheerfully. Our blessing are not defined by worldly things, His blessings are way above that, they never parish! “We can never outgive God!” (2 Corinthians 9:8; Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38; Luke 13:21; Malachi 3:6-13)
How have you been Trusting God? Reflect
on seeking His Love & Will for you in this today?
Walt Golembeski, Westport, CT, 4 years at Hope, serving as an Elder & Men’s Ministry
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