OFFERING WILLINGLY AND JOYFULLY TO GOD

OFFERING WILLINGLY AND JOYFULLY TO GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 29:9

Supporting Texts: Exodus 35:5, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 1:6-8, Mark 12:41-44

INTRODUCTION:
Giving is a central part of worship and relationship with God. In both the Old and New Testaments, the heart and attitude behind the offering matter more to God than the size or value. Our study focuses on the example of the Israelites when they gave for the building of the temple under King David's leadership.

The people offered their gifts willingly and rejoiced greatly because their giving was from a heart of devotion. David himself acknowledged that everything comes from God, and that they were only giving back to Him what He had already given them. This truth must guide our giving as believers.

Giving should not be driven by compulsion, fear, or manipulation. Rather, it should flow from love, honour, gratitude, and understanding of kingdom responsibility. God delights in cheerful givers who see giving as a privilege and act of faith.

1. GIVING SHOULD BE WILLING, NOT FORCED

a) Giving is acceptable when done willingly (Exodus 35:5)
God instructed Moses to collect offerings only from those whose hearts were willing; unwilling giving is not honoured.

b) Forced giving robs it of spiritual value (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Each person must give what they have purposed in their heart—not reluctantly or under compulsion.

c) Willing giving reflects a surrendered heart (Romans 12:1)
A willing giver is one who has first given themselves to God, offering their whole life in obedience.

d) Giving out of guilt or pressure does not please God (Malachi 1:6-8)
Offering God what we do not value reveals dishonour and lack of reverence.

Biblical Example: The Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1–5)
They gave beyond their ability, willingly and joyfully, even in their poverty, because their hearts were fully committed to God.

2. JOYFUL GIVING BRINGS GLORY TO GOD

a) Joy in giving honours God’s worth (Proverbs 3:9)
Honouring God with our substance and first fruits shows He is our priority and source.

b) Rejoicing in giving reflects our trust in God (Psalm 126:5–6)
Even sacrificial sowing leads to a joyful harvest when we trust in God's provision.

c) Giving cheerfully is a sign of spiritual maturity (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Mature believers give joyfully, knowing it pleases God and impacts others.

d) Joyful givers experience God’s grace abundantly (2 Corinthians 9:8-11)
God supplies seed to cheerful givers and multiplies their resources for generosity.

Biblical Example: The widow with two mites (Mark 12:41-44)
She gave joyfully, even though it was all she had—Jesus praised her above all.

3. GIVING DEMONSTRATES KINGDOM RESPONSIBILITY

a) We give to support the work of God (1 Chronicles 29:3–5)
David gave his personal treasures for the temple and invited others to do likewise.

b) Our giving contributes to legacy and impact (Matthew 6:19–21)
When we give, we are laying up treasures in heaven, not just on earth.

c) Giving strengthens the community of believers (Acts 4:34–35)
In the early church, people gave to meet needs and ensure no one lacked.

d) Our giving must align with God's purpose (1 Timothy 6:17–19)
The rich are encouraged to be generous and ready to share, building a solid foundation for eternal life.

Biblical Example: The Israelites for the tabernacle (Exodus 35:20–29)
Every skilled person, man and woman, brought offerings and served, showing shared kingdom responsibility.

CONCLUSION:
God desires that our giving be both willing and joyful. The heart with which we give matters more than the amount. Kingdom advancement requires resources, but God is pleased only when we give out of love, honour, and faith.

Let us examine our motives and renew our hearts. Every act of giving is an opportunity to honour God, bless others, and build eternal rewards. Offer willingly and rejoice as you do it—God sees and rewards.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that gives willingly and not by compulsion.
2. Father, fill me with the joy of cheerful giving.
3. Help me to see giving as an act of worship and obedience.
4. Deliver me from selfishness and greed.
5. I receive grace to be consistent in kingdom giving.
6. Lord, help me give sacrificially like David and the widow.
7. Let my giving bring glory to You and expand Your kingdom.
8. May my offerings bring joy and encouragement to others.
9. Make me a channel of divine provision to the church.
10. I reject every spirit of stinginess and embrace kingdom generosity.