“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NLT)
When it comes to giving, God is much more interested in what’s in your heart than what’s in your wallet. You may think you don’t have a lot to give. But what He really wants is your willingness — not your wealth.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (NLT). God is interested in your heart in giving because your heart reflects Him. He wants you to grow to be more like Him and reflect a heart of generosity.
This verse offers five key heart attitudes you should have when you give:
- Give thoughtfully. Don’t give impulsively. The most spiritual kind of giving is when you think about it, pray about it, and then make up your mind about it. God wants your giving to be important and meaningful in your life — so He wants you to plan for it.
- Give enthusiastically. Don’t just think, “I have to give.” Give because you know God’s going to do something big in your heart when you become a generous person.
- Give voluntarily. Any time someone pressures you to give, don’t do it. God’s not going to bless that kind of giving anyway. But when you feel God challenging you to give, that’s the time to give generously and voluntarily.
- Give cheerfully. Give with joy! God offered all for us and to us, and in response God wants you to enjoy giving to Him and to others.
- Give lovingly. In response to the need for a better life now, we offer from our own resources of basic needs to help others too. Remember all comes from being first positioned in prayer to God.
Next time you’re considering whether to give or how much to give, remember that God’s greatest concern is your heart. When you give thoughtfully, enthusiastically, voluntarily, cheerfully and lovingly, then you know that’s a gift God will bless!
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the numerous gifts and blessings You have given to me. Help me to give, both to You and to the people around me, my time, talent and treasure, so that Your Name is always given glory, and the people around me are blessed.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
