CHEERFUL GIVING

CHEERFUL GIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 9:7

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Proverbs 11:24-25; Matthew 6:1–4; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 20:35

Description: Cheerful giving flows from a willing heart that trusts God, loves others and gives without reluctance or compulsion.

INTRODUCTION

Giving is not merely about what leaves our hands; it is also about what is happening in our hearts. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul teaches that every believer should give according to what he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or because of pressure. God is concerned with the attitude behind the gift.

Cheerful giving is a response to God's grace. When we remember how generously God has dealt with us, giving becomes an expression of gratitude rather than a painful obligation. The cheerful giver understands that every resource ultimately comes from God and that generosity is an opportunity to participate in His work.

God does not measure our giving only by its monetary value. He considers our willingness, motives and attitude. A gift given with joy, love and faith is an act of worship. Therefore, believers should cultivate hearts that find joy in honouring God and blessing others through their resources.

1. CHEERFUL GIVING BEGINS WITH A WILLING HEART

God desires willing participation rather than reluctant giving. Genuine generosity begins when the heart willingly responds to God's grace.

a. Purpose in Your Heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) — Paul teaches each person to determine in the heart what he will give.

b. Give Willingly (Exodus 25:2) — God instructed Israel to receive offerings from those whose hearts moved them to give.

c. God Values Willingness (2 Corinthians 8:12) — God accepts a gift according to what a person has and the willingness behind it.

d. Willingness Produces Joy (1 Chronicles 29:9) — The people rejoiced because they offered willingly to the Lord.

Biblical Example: David and the leaders of Israel willingly gave towards the building of the temple, and the people rejoiced because they had offered freely (1 Chronicles 29:6-9).

2. CHEERFUL GIVING IS NOT GRUDGING

Paul specifically warns against giving with sorrow, resentment or regret. God wants generosity that comes from a heart that is genuinely glad to bless others.

a. Do Not Give With Regret (2 Corinthians 9:7) — A gift should not be accompanied by resentment or sorrow.

b. Do Not Allow Possessions to Control You (Matthew 6:21) — Where our treasure is, our heart will also be.

c. Generosity Requires Freedom From Greed (Luke 12:15) — Life is not measured by the abundance of possessions.

d. Love Makes Giving Joyful (1 John 3:17-18) — Genuine love moves us to respond when we see someone in need.

Biblical Example: The Macedonian believers gave generously despite severe trials and deep poverty, and their giving was accompanied by abundant joy (2 Corinthians 8:2).

3. CHEERFUL GIVING IS NOT BY COMPULSION

God does not want giving that is produced by manipulation, fear or undue pressure. Christian generosity should flow from conviction and willing obedience.

a. Give According to Your Heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) — Giving should be a personal and deliberate response to God.

b. God Loves Cheerful Giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) — God's pleasure is connected to the attitude of the giver.

c. Love Cannot Be Forced (Philemon 1:14) — Paul preferred willing action rather than something done merely because it was commanded.

d. Obedience Should Be Voluntary (2 Corinthians 8:3-4) — The Macedonians willingly participated in helping other believers.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus responded voluntarily to his encounter with Jesus and demonstrated repentance through generous restitution and giving (Luke 19:1-10).

4. CHEERFUL GIVING FLOWS FROM GRATITUDE TO GOD

A grateful heart recognises that everything we have ultimately comes from God. Gratitude transforms giving from an obligation into an expression of worship.

a. Everything Comes From God (1 Chronicles 29:14) — David acknowledged that what they had given to God had first come from Him.

b. Give Thanks Through Giving (2 Corinthians 9:11-12) — Generosity produces thanksgiving to God.

c. Honour God With Your Possessions (Proverbs 3:9) — Giving is one way to acknowledge God's ownership and goodness.

d. Remember God's Benefits (Psalm 103:2) — Remembering God's goodness strengthens a grateful heart.

Biblical Example: The Israelites willingly brought offerings for the tabernacle because they recognised the privilege of participating in God's work (Exodus 35:20-29).

5. CHEERFUL GIVING IS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE

Generosity is one of the practical ways Christian love becomes visible. Love does not merely speak; it acts.

a. Love Gives (John 3:16) — God's love was demonstrated through His gift of His Son.

b. Love Responds to Need (1 John 3:17) — A believer who has resources should not close his heart to someone in genuine need.

c. Love Makes Sacrifice Possible (John 15:13) — Genuine love is willing to make sacrifices for others.

d. Love Should Be Practical (James 2:15-16) — Words of concern without practical assistance do not adequately demonstrate Christian compassion.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan demonstrated practical love by using his own resources to care for a wounded man (Luke 10:30-37).

6. CHEERFUL GIVING TRUSTS GOD'S PROVISION

Sometimes generosity requires faith. We give because we trust that God remains our source and that He is able to provide for our needs.

a. God Is Able to Supply (2 Corinthians 9:8) — God can make His grace abound so that we have sufficiency for every good work.

b. God Provides Seed to the Sower (2 Corinthians 9:10) — He gives seed for sowing and bread for food.

c. Trust God Rather Than Riches (1 Timothy 6:17) — Our hope should be placed in God, not uncertain wealth.

d. Faith Produces Generosity (Hebrews 11:6) — Faith trusts God's character and responds to Him accordingly.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath trusted God's word and gave Elijah from her limited supply, after which God sustained her household (1 Kings 17:8-16).

7. CHEERFUL GIVING BLESSES OTHERS

Our generosity can become God's instrument for meeting needs, strengthening people and advancing His purposes.

a. Give to Those in Need (Proverbs 19:17) — God takes note when His people care for the poor.

b. Share With the Saints (Romans 12:13) — Christians are called to contribute to the needs of fellow believers.

c. Good Works Bring Blessing (Hebrews 13:16) — Sharing and doing good are sacrifices that please God.

d. Giving Produces Thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:12) — When needs are supplied, thanksgiving rises to God.

Biblical Example: The church at Antioch sent relief to believers in Judea during a time of famine (Acts 11:27-30).

8. CHEERFUL GIVING GLORIFIES GOD

The ultimate purpose of Christian generosity is not personal recognition but the glory of God. When we give with the right heart, our generosity points others towards Him.

a. Giving Produces Thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:11-12) — Generosity causes people to thank God.

b. Giving Demonstrates Obedience (2 Corinthians 9:13) — Generosity can demonstrate genuine submission to the Gospel.

c. Giving Brings Praise to God (2 Corinthians 9:13) — Those who benefit from generosity can glorify God for the obedience of His people.

d. Giving Is Worship (Hebrews 13:16) — God is pleased when believers do good and share what they have.

Biblical Example: The Philippian believers supported Paul's ministry, and their giving was described as a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:15-18).

CONCLUSION

Cheerful giving begins with a heart that understands God's grace and responds with gratitude. It is not forced, manipulated or given with resentment. Instead, it flows from willingness, love, faith and a desire to honour God. The cheerful giver does not see generosity merely as losing something but as an opportunity to worship God and bless others.

Let us therefore examine our attitude towards giving. May we never give merely because we are pressured, but because our hearts are genuinely surrendered to God. As we give cheerfully, responsibly and faithfully, may our generosity meet needs, strengthen God's work and cause thanksgiving to rise to His name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a willing and cheerful heart in all my giving, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every spirit of reluctance and resentment from my heart, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from greed and covetousness, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to give from a heart of genuine love, in Jesus name.

5. Father, make me grateful for everything You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, increase my faith in Your provision and faithfulness, in Jesus name.

7. Father, make my resources a blessing to those in genuine need, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me wisdom to give responsibly and faithfully, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my generosity produce thanksgiving and glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me a consistent cheerful giver throughout my life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall become increasingly cheerful and generous in your giving.

2. Your heart shall remain free from greed, selfishness and covetousness.

3. You shall give willingly and joyfully without resentment.

4. God shall give you grace to trust Him as your source.

5. Your hands shall continually become instruments of blessing.

6. You shall have sufficient resources for every good work God has committed to you.

7. Your generosity shall meet genuine needs and strengthen lives.

8. Your giving shall produce thanksgiving and praise to God.

9. You shall grow continually in the grace of generosity.

10. Your life shall be a testimony of God's grace, provision and generous love, in Jesus name.