Driven by a Cheerful Heart

BUT THIS I SAY: HE WHO SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY, AND HE WHO SOWS BOUNTIFULLY WILL ALSO REAP BOUNTIFULLY. SO LET EACH ONE GIVE AS HE PURPOSES IN HIS HEART, NOT GRUDGINGLY OR OF NECESSITY; FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Paul urges Corinthians to fulfill their promise to generously give to Jerusalem Christians, emphasizing the importance of spiritual results for both givers and receivers of their gifts.

This verse is teaching and reminding us to love generosity and give generously. It is like planting a seed to grow a tree and harvesting fruits out of what you have planted. Larger harvests require larger planting. The one who sows less will have less, and the one who plants more will gain more. God increases the ability of believers who give generously to give even more.

As we give to our brothers and sisters, we also give to God. It may not be from the same person we helped or the ones we expected to, but the kindness and generosity will find their way back to us. Not only in heaven does God reward the well-doing of the godly but in this world as well. We are never losers when we give to God. From the great seeds we have sown, God is faithful to make a way and give us a great harvest.

God is the best example of a cheerful giver. He delights to give to us, and as His children, we should be like Him. We should give because we want to give and because God has put it in our own hearts to give. True giving comes from a happy heart, and it also gives us a happy heart.

We give not because we are obliged to do so or are expecting in return, but because we love God, and we give to Him out of a joyful heart, doing everything in love, following His commands, especially to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.