The Heart of Giving
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
God is not impressed by the size of our gift but moved by the state of our heart. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he made it clear that giving is not meant to be mechanical or manipulative. It’s personal. It flows from relationship, not regulation. The phrase “as he purposes in his heart” reminds us that generosity starts long before the offering plate passes. It begins in a place of intentional devotion, a decision that says, “I want to be part of what God is doing.” When giving comes from the heart, it becomes an act of worship, not obligation.
The Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8 didn’t give because someone pressured them. They gave because God had captivated them. Their hearts were so overwhelmed by grace that generosity became the natural response. That’s what Paul means when he says God loves a cheerful giver. The word cheerful in the Greek is hilaros, from which we get our word hilarious. It paints a picture of someone who gives joyfully, even laughingly, because they understand that they can never outgive God. A heart like that doesn’t count the cost; it celebrates the privilege.
The heart of giving is really the heart of trust. When our hearts are hard, giving feels like loss. But when our hearts are soft toward God, giving feels like partnership. God doesn’t want something from us; He wants something for us. He knows that generosity frees us from the grip of greed and fear. Every time you give cheerfully, you are declaring that God is your source and that you trust His provision more than your possession. It’s not about meeting a need; it’s about molding your nature to look more like His.
It’s possible to give without loving, but impossible to love without giving. When your heart beats in rhythm with God’s, generosity becomes second nature. It’s not an act of pressure; it’s an act of praise. The heart of giving says, “God, I give because You’ve given me everything. I sow because You’ve already supplied. I bless because I’ve already been blessed.” That’s the kind of heart that God smiles upon, one that gives freely, fully, and joyfully.
Prayer:
God, capture my heart with Your grace and make me a cheerful giver. Remove any fear, pride, or hesitation that keeps me from trusting You completely. Let my giving flow from love, not obligation. Shape my heart to reflect Yours so that generosity becomes my joy and worship becomes my response. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
God is not impressed by the size of our gift but moved by the state of our heart. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he made it clear that giving is not meant to be mechanical or manipulative. It’s personal. It flows from relationship, not regulation. The phrase “as he purposes in his heart” reminds us that generosity starts long before the offering plate passes. It begins in a place of intentional devotion, a decision that says, “I want to be part of what God is doing.” When giving comes from the heart, it becomes an act of worship, not obligation.
The Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8 didn’t give because someone pressured them. They gave because God had captivated them. Their hearts were so overwhelmed by grace that generosity became the natural response. That’s what Paul means when he says God loves a cheerful giver. The word cheerful in the Greek is hilaros, from which we get our word hilarious. It paints a picture of someone who gives joyfully, even laughingly, because they understand that they can never outgive God. A heart like that doesn’t count the cost; it celebrates the privilege.
The heart of giving is really the heart of trust. When our hearts are hard, giving feels like loss. But when our hearts are soft toward God, giving feels like partnership. God doesn’t want something from us; He wants something for us. He knows that generosity frees us from the grip of greed and fear. Every time you give cheerfully, you are declaring that God is your source and that you trust His provision more than your possession. It’s not about meeting a need; it’s about molding your nature to look more like His.
It’s possible to give without loving, but impossible to love without giving. When your heart beats in rhythm with God’s, generosity becomes second nature. It’s not an act of pressure; it’s an act of praise. The heart of giving says, “God, I give because You’ve given me everything. I sow because You’ve already supplied. I bless because I’ve already been blessed.” That’s the kind of heart that God smiles upon, one that gives freely, fully, and joyfully.
Prayer:
God, capture my heart with Your grace and make me a cheerful giver. Remove any fear, pride, or hesitation that keeps me from trusting You completely. Let my giving flow from love, not obligation. Shape my heart to reflect Yours so that generosity becomes my joy and worship becomes my response. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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