2 Corinthians 9:7

THE OUTWARD LIFE OF A STEWARD
Giving

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

No other verse better expresses how Christians should give than 2 Corinthians 9:7. It says, Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (NIV 1984). First, we see our decision about how much to give is to be decided by us, not someone else. Second, it is not good to give when we have been pressured or made to feel guilty. Third, God LOVES a cheerful giver. The Greek word used here for cheerful is where we get our English word “hilarious.” So, we can say that God loves a hilarious giver. If you want to get the most out of your giving, let God, not man, tell you how much to give and then give it hilariously! This is when giving really becomes addictive and joyful. Think about it.