2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (New International Version)
7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Question: How many TV Evangelists does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: One. But for the message of the light to continue, please send in your donation TODAY.
Hand it Over Hilariously
Wise Biblical teaching holds true regardless of how we are feeling when we hear scriptural admonitions. However, in this verse we are encouraged to be cheerful in our giving. In fact, the Greek root of “cheerful” is the same word from which “hilarious” is derived. We are encouraged to give in joy but commanded to refrain from giving if we feel obligated or are pressured to give. God does not participate in high-pressure giving tactics!
We’ve all seen or heard of examples in which unscrupulous or well meaning but unenlightened ministers have used the bully pulpit to strongly persuade a congregation to cough up some extra dollars for “God.” That’s not how our Lord distributes finances. The occasion is to be a delightful time. Givers should donate because it is the right thing to do and they come away with satisfaction – not regret.
Grace Abounds From Gifts
Verse 8 then tells us that God is able to make “all grace” abound to us. That is, to us hilarious givers! Since we give in a spirit of liberality and joy, God reminds us that everything is taken care of on our behalf – He’ll see to it. You see, God is a cheerful giver too! He’ll gladly exert his Holy influence upon us so that we can continue in His work and, in so doing, He’ll work out all the temporal matters as well. We will have all (His) provision and all (His) success as we happily devote our substance to His work. The more we give on His behalf, the more he enables us to give.
So give regularly to God’s purposes but do so cheerfully. This is too serious of a matter not to be taken joyfully.
Related: 21 bible scriptures about giving
Lighten up!
Tags: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Giving