READING: 2 Corinthians 5-9
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
There is much debate about whether the New Testament requires believers to give a tithe, but there is little debate that we are to give generously to God’s work. Paul, as he called the Corinthians to give toward an offering for other believers, made this point clearly: “. . . whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-7). We are to give not with regret—and certainly not because someone else orders us to do so—but because of the life and joy that God gives us. Our giving is to be not just cheerful, but enthusiastically and almost uncontrollably cheerful (indeed, the word “hilarious” derives from the word translated as “cheerful”).
Thus, it seems to me that even the argument about whether we should tithe is a bit misdirected. Generous, grateful, bountiful giving is a giving that worries not about the amount of sacrifice; it recognizes that even the idea of attempting to find a minimum requirement misses the point. In light of the “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15) God has given us in Jesus, we have no place for giving only a minimum amount. Sacrificing to support the work of God who sacrificed His Son for us should not be a sacrifice at all.
This Thanksgiving season, give sacrificially to God’s work – and laugh with joy as you do it.
ACTION STEPS:
- Do sacrifice more to support God’s work through your church this week. Give with gratitude.
- Pray for other congregations in your area who might be struggling financially.
PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for providing for me. Help me to give cheerfully to Your work.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Corinthians 10-13
