MONDAY: CHEERFUL GIVER

KEY PASSAGE

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… and he will enlarge the harvest of righteousness… your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:8-9, 11-12

DEVOTIONAL

Maybe you read the phrase “cheerful giver” and hear “turn in your tithe with a smile.” Or you read “God loves a cheerful giver” and excuse yourself from giving, because the thought of giving away money you could use comes with an uncomfortable weight, not cheer.

But what does the phrase “cheerful giver” actually mean? The word “cheerful” in scripture is hilaros, and it doesn’t mean happy. It means “prompted and willing.” So what is a “cheerful giver?” If God asks you to be generous— with money, hospitality, food, time, etc.— and your response is to obey, you are a cheerful giver. Meaning that God truly has a hold on your heart.

God isn’t asking you to feel happy or light when you give, he is asking you to willingly trust Him with whatever your gift might be. And what is the impact of your cheerful— prompted & willing— generosity? An abundance of blessing and provision, success in good works, a harvest of righteousness, and thanksgiving to God.

Notice this is not a promise that God will give you your money back with interest. It’s a reminder that God turns our physical resources into spiritual reward. It's the promise that every prompted and willing sacrifice given is a confession of the gospel message, amplifying His glory and pointing others to Jesus.

CHALLENGE

This week’s devotionals explore the impact of generosity. And while you may consider the impact of generosity to be an outward work, take a moment to consider its internal impact… developing a heart that can be nudged by God and moved into action.

Would you describe your heart toward God as prompted and willing? Are you wrestling with withholding pieces of your life from God because you are afraid of what he might ask of you?

Confess the posture of your heart to God.

Tell him where you are willing to obey.

Tell him where you are weary to obey.

Tell him why.

Ask him to help you trust Him to create a cheerful— prompted and willing— heart in you.