“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV).
Paul instructed the Corinthians on how to give toward the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He emphasized that giving must come from the heart. The Greek word translated “cheerful” (hilaros) is where we get the English word “hilarious.” Paul taught that God delights in those who give joyfully, not as though parting with money in grief or under pressure from others. Christian generosity was never meant to be extracted like a tax, but to be an act of willing worship. Paul echoed Proverbs 22:8 (LXX), which says that God blesses the cheerful giver, rooting his teaching in the covenantal promise of God’s favor toward glad generosity. The measure of the gift was not its amount but its attitude.
Are we cheerful givers? Because God is a joyful Giver, He loves when we give cheerfully, not reluctantly or under compulsion. Misers are miserable because they cling to their possessions, always fearful of loss. Yet givers are glad, because in opening their hands they open their hearts to the joy of God. After all, we cannot express “thanksgiving” without “giving.” When we give freely, we reflect the generous character of our Father, who gave His only Son for us. So let us not give as though we are losing something, but as though we are gaining the blessing of fellowship with God’s generous heart. Let us decide beforehand what we will give, and do so eagerly, with hilarity and joy, knowing that God loves this kind of giving.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for being the Giver of every good gift. Forgive us when we are hesitant to give or when we give reluctantly, as though we are losing something. Teach us to give cheerfully, joyfully, even hilariously, because You first gave Yourself to us in Christ. Make us glad givers who reflect Your heart, so that others may see Your generosity in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.