— Devotionals —

The Virtue of a Cheerful Giver

How often do some feel as a martyr to their giving?

They give of themselves daily, to spouse and children, to clients and community, to ministry and church, and they feel full. In this fullness, they find inner complaints.

Their dreams of a thriving home and flourishing lifestyle seem to be at hand, but they seem to  scoff at those who ask for more, or for those who don’t recognize their contributions. In return, they have contempt at the lack of gratitude and return favors. The heart is not quite right, and the mind has followed.

Then there are those who live in meekness and with little. They scrounge up small dinners to give to a sick neighbor, support their children by showing up even without small trophies to extend upon a win, and they take diligent notes for self-study when they wish they felt smart and courageous enough to lead.

Are their contributions worth less than the one who gives in plenty? Is their modest life style not worth recognition?

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Does this mean the one who gives less does so because they never tried to plant a bigger garden? What about the one who gives much, does she make sure she does so to reap grand rewards?

The one who gives little does so with a cheerful disposition, not expecting a thing in return. Standing and waiting for applause because of the ripe fields doesn’t mean the blessing will be larger.

Generosity comes from the heart and not the pocketbook.

vs. 10-11 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

The Lord brings a bountiful harvest for those with a generous spirit despite the cupboards to sparsity. TO give of oneself despite their resources to held close to the Lord’s heart. He sees where our motives comes from. The one who has much, and gives much, may have started off with humble intentions. They may even get back to the point. So many fall away from the plans of the Lord when they allow for a puffed up spirit to influence their hearts.

Acts 20:35

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

As we give, we need to check our hearts. Are we kingdom driven, or driven by our own ambitions? The Lord will bless us in abundance. We don’t need to strive for more when we can be more for Him.  He will multiply our gains according to His will. Be ready with a cheerful and humble spirit. Gratitude will follow.

The Lord will bless us in abundance. We don't need to strive for more when we can be more for Him. Click To Tweet

 

9 thoughts on “The Virtue of a Cheerful Giver”

  1. Good thoughts on a challenging topic! We don’t like to talk about tithing and money, but it’s so important—and all about the heart, like you said. Thanks for writing!

  2. We don’t give to get. We give because we’ve been given. It is such a “human” way of seeing things, and I think we all fall into that trap! In the end, God does know our heart, and blesses us accordingly! God bless you –

  3. Excellent post, people sometimes have trouble with tithes and offerings. I told a lady who asked about the 10%, that it was mentioned as a tenth, but I know the Lord understand if you can’t always do that.

  4. I love the way that you included the verse from 2 Corinthians 9:11, “your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Wow, that says it all, doesn’t it? It’s easy to want to look for that thank-you to be directed toward us, but truly God wants to bring our hearts to rejoice in thanksgiving being offered to HIM. Thank you for these precious words today! Blessed to be your neighbor at #Tellhisstory.

    1. Thank you. This is why when people tell me thank-you for things I specifically wanted to do for community, or church, or ministry, I am humbled to say that it was God, not me. I was just a tool He is using.

  6. I’ve been studying Luke and recently read the parable of the Good Samaritan, so your focus today, Maryann, fits perfectly with where God is challenging me. Thanks for adding more motivation to my focus to give with a glad heart, my friend! Pinning!

  7. Well, I have to admit that I got a little convicted where you mentioned the part about feeling unappreciated. I guess it’s not like I’m seeking praise from my husband in word but I must be in some way attaching it to selfishness at times if I’m complaining in my mind about “I did this and this” thanks for this as I’m gonna be a watching out for this attitude in my spirit!! Visiting from #inspirememonday linkup

    1. I am have been there as well. Thinking some appreciation would be nice, but I am reminded that I serve because of who I am and who I belong to, not to receive glory in return.

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