December 7 | 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7–8, ESV)

When we think about gifts some people think about giving and others think about getting. Parents want their children to grow out of this phase. But becoming more excited about giving than getting is a spiritual maturity barometer.

Paul gives us some wise counsel about giving. The attitude we have and the way we give is obvious to others. It all starts with your decision to give the amount you feel in your heart. When I give to the Lord and to others I decide first to give, and the amount.

Weighing heavily on my decision is when I ask Holy Spirit want He wants me to give. Several times I have been in a missions services and afraid to ask Him. I know he will tell me to give almost everything if not everything in my wallet. But I ask out of obedience.

When you settle the amount you give in your heart after speaking with the Lord, you only have one reaction in giving. You should be filled with cheer. After all, even if God tells you to give more than you wanted, He will supply everything you need.

Can you imagine what God would feel of you if you are not a cheerful giver? You are present Jesus and His Kingdom. He wants you to not give begrudgingly. And don’t let anyone force you to give.

Action Step: Ask the Spirit what He wants you to give. Cheerfully place your giving in the palm of the Lord’s hand. Trust Him to provide.

Holy Spirit, I want to honor You as I give. How much shall I give? Thank You for the privilege of stewarding the resources You have entrusted to me.