God Loves a Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:7

Watch on YouTube

A number of years ago a regular visitor to my church came up to me and she wanted to tell me “Pastor, I love you and I love your church” and the reason was she felt that our church held so firmly to the truth of God’s Word.

However, she did have a suggestion for me. She said “Pastor, I think you should preach more about the tithe, telling people that they must give ten percent of their income to the church.” She had been at other churches that had required this and everything seemed to go so well. She said they paid off debts and their budget was fine.

I went on to tell her if I preach that I wouldn’t be preaching the truth of God’s Word. In the Old Testament God did required the children of Israel to give a tenth of their income, or a tithe, to him. However, in the New Testament God has told us that giving is not mandated, that we must give a certain percent to the Lord. Rather he invites us to give cheerfully.

In fact in 2nd Corinthians chapter 9 verse 7 it says this

Each one should give as he has determined in his heart, not reluctantly or under pressure, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

So how do you become a cheerful giver? Well I know pastor! I simply give as little as possible, then I’ll have more money. That’ll make me happy! No, that’s just plain greed.

The way that we become cheerful givers is to remember everything Christ has done for us, how he has fulfilled all the prophecies of God concerning the Messiah, how he has paid for our sins in the cross, how he has given us the reassurance of eternal life in him.

May those things inspire us to give generously to the Lord out of thanksgiving for all he has done in Christ for us. Amen.