Giving That Pleases God

"Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, 'prompt to do it') giver [whose heart is in his giving]." (Prov. 22:9.) — 2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC

Generosity is at the heart of the gospel. The most popular verse of the gospel is a declaration of extreme generosity: "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…" — John 3:16

There could be no salvation or eternal life for us if God did not extravagantly give us first. Look at the beauty of creation — it was all made as a gift to mankind.

Because we are born of God and after the image of the second Adam, Jesus Christ, we have the nature, capacity, and grace to be extremely generous like our Father.

All we need is to awaken to the reality and walk in it. That is why the Corinthian church was urged by Apostle Paul to grow in the "grace of giving."

But he warns that your giving must be high-quality. There is giving that touches the heart of God. It is called "cheerful" giving.

The word "cheerful" is from the Greek word hilaros, which also means joyous, prompt, and heartfelt giving.

This is the giving that pleases God. Give joyously and not under pressure. Don't give because of necessity or because you must do it. Embrace opportunities to give with joy and not sadness.

Additionally, a hilaros giver is a "prompt-to-do-it" giver. No hesitation. Once you have made up your mind to give, you do it without delay. You release your tithe, partnership, or seed without delay after you receive your salary or income. No questions asked.

And finally, a hilaros giver is one whose heart is in the giving. Let your heart be involved. Don't just give because the rules of church leadership or membership require it. Do it from the heart.

And He who gives seed to the sower will multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. He will make all grace abound toward you, so that you lack nothing and can continue to be generous in every good work.

To all the givers I say: "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Prayer

Lord, thank You that I am growing in the grace of giving, in the name of Jesus. I declare that I am a joyous, prompt-to-do-it giver, whose heart is in his giving. Amen.