Cheerfully?

Danette was a single working gal, paying her bills every month but not much more. But when a need came to her, she’d always pray: “God, if you want me to give to this, just send the money my way.”

She said it was surprising how often money came in from some unexpected source. And she always sent it on.

In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul described his plan to pick up an offering for the poor living in Jerusalem. The Corinthians had pledged to give and Paul wanted them to give cheerfully.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7)

Why? What’s the big deal about giving cheerfully? Isn’t it enough to give? Do I have to enjoy it, too?

Paul makes it clear. Each person should give from his heart. Notice that Paul didn’t say, “each should give what he or she decided after looking at how much money he had left” or “each should give according to how much money he or she can earn in the next month.”

In other words, Paul wanted them to give as God had asked them to give. What did their heart tell them?

Danette gave to many worthy causes – joyfully. And we can have the same joy if we don't sweat our budget and instead let God lead our heart.