These words were written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth as part of his appeal for them to contribute to a collection for the poor in Jerusalem. Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to give generously, but he also wanted them to give from the heart, with the right attitude and motivation.
The first part of the verse says, "Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart." This means that each person should give what they have decided to give, without being pressured or coerced by others. Giving should be a voluntary act, done out of a desire to help and bless others. Giving should not be a burden or a duty, but a joyful response to God's grace and generosity.
The second part of the verse says, "not grudgingly, or under compulsion." This means that giving should not be done with a resentful or begrudging attitude, or because of pressure or guilt from others. Giving should not be motivated by a desire for recognition or reward, but by a genuine desire to help others and please God.
The last part of the verse says, "for God loves a cheerful giver." This means that God is pleased when we give with a joyful and generous heart. God is not interested in the amount we give, but in the attitude of our hearts. When we give with joy and generosity, we are reflecting God's own character and nature, which is one of love and generosity.
This verse has several important lessons for us today. First, it teaches us that giving is an important part of our relationship with God. When we give, we are expressing our love and gratitude to God, and we are obeying his command to love and serve others. Giving is a way to demonstrate our faith and trust in God, and to participate in his work in the world.
Second, this verse reminds us that giving should be done with the right attitude and motivation. Giving should not be a duty or obligation, but a joyful and generous response to God's grace and goodness. We should give because we want to help and bless others, and because we want to please God.
Third, this verse challenges us to examine our hearts and attitudes towards giving. Do we give grudgingly or under compulsion, or do we give with joy and generosity? Are we motivated by a desire to help others and please God, or are we seeking recognition or reward? As we reflect on these questions, we can ask God to help us develop a heart of generosity and love towards others.
Application in Our Lives:
Heart Check in Giving: Before giving, evaluate the condition of your heart. Are you giving willingly and joyfully, or is there reluctance? The motivation behind our giving matters to God.
Joyful Generosity: Cultivate a spirit of joy in your giving. Understand that giving is not a burden but a privilege. Find joy in contributing to the well-being of others and advancing God's kingdom.
Release of Obligation: Recognize that God doesn't desire giving out of obligation. He delights in our voluntary and heartfelt contributions. Let go of any sense of compulsion, and allow your giving to flow from a willing heart.
Understanding God's Love: Grasp the depth of God's love in this context. God's love for a cheerful giver reflects His appreciation for a heart aligned with His own generous and loving nature. Our giving becomes a reflection of God's character.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 22:9: "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs reinforces the idea that a generous heart leads to blessings. Generosity is not solely about material giving but involves the disposition of the heart.
Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you." Jesus teaches about the reciprocal nature of giving. The cheerful and generous giver experiences abundance in return.
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches us that giving should be done with the right attitude and motivation. We should give from the heart, with joy and generosity, and without compulsion or grudgingness. When we give in this way, we are demonstrating our love for God and our commitment to his work in the world. As we give generously and cheerfully, we can trust that God will bless us and use our gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.
2 Corinthians 9:7. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.