Life takes on exciting dimensions as we give with a cheerful heart.
II Corinthians 9:6:
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
When farmers plant crops for the season, they consider planting enough extra seeds to allow for those that will be eaten by the birds, insects, and other wildlife. If they sow sparingly, or meagerly, they can anticipate reaping a meager return. But on the other hand, if they plant an abundant amount of seeds, they can anticipate the return to be very bountiful. As we bountifully sow our “seeds of giving” to bless one another, we can expect God to bountifully bless us.
II Corinthians 9:7:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Each of us “purposeth,” chooses, or decides what and how we give. When we give sparingly, we reap sparingly, but when we give generously and bountifully, we see an abundant harvest.
To be a cheerful giver means to be joyous and prompt to do it. The word translated “cheerful” here denotes one whose face shines with joy and satisfaction. Because a cheerful giver enjoys what he is doing, he shines joyfully.
Giving grudgingly, reluctantly, or out of obligation is very different than giving with a cheerful, joyful heart. When we are faced with the opportunity to give, God wants us to choose to have a willing, joyful, “prompt to do it” attitude, ready to bless others in our fellowships, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. As we give willingly and cheerfully, we shine joyfully.
II Corinthians 9:8:
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
God promises that His grace will abound toward us. He will never leave us “on empty,” but rather He will see to it that our needs are met so that we can continue giving cheerfully.
Together we can cheerfully give of our time by
- witnessing to others what God has done for us;
- studying the Word—we can help each other learn the Word in a variety of ways;
- teaching the Word—we can teach each other one-on-one, and we can teach the Word to many;
- sharing of our abilities and talents to bless and help one another. Do you have a skill that would help lift the burden of another or help enhance someone’s life? As you give cheerfully, God will bless you back.
In II Corinthians 9, God exhorts us to give when we have the opportunity to do so and to do it with a cheerful heart. He promises us He will meet our need so that we can abound as we joyfully dwell together in the Lord!