2 Corinthians 9:7–9: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
Motive in giving (or in any other activity) is vitally important. Our giving must come from the heart, and the motive in the heart must please God. We must not be “sad givers” who give grudgingly, or “mad givers” who give because we have to (“of necessity”); but we should be “glad givers” who cheerfully share what we have because we have experienced the grace of God.
If we cannot give joyfully (the Greek word gives us our English word hilarious), then we must open our hearts to the Lord and ask Him to grant us His grace. Certainly God can bless a gift that is given out of a sense of duty, but God cannot bless the giver unless his heart is right. Grace giving means that God blesses the giver as well as the gift, and that the giver is a blessing to others. 1
Personal Application
- Read Matthew 6:21. When Jesus follows the money trail, what will He find?
Godly Encouragement
- He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor. –Proverbs 22:9
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
A grace giver understands that they have received abundant grace. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for giving me grace without measure, when I deserved nothing.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
