Giving with Joy

From the archives of Oral Roberts

Not only are we called to give to God in “good measure” (Luke 6:38), but we are called to do so with joy in our hearts. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:6–7).

Paul is repeating what Jesus said about giving in “good measure.” If we give a little, we’ll reap a little. If we give a lot, we’ll reap bountifully. He then goes beyond the measure of our giving to talk about our attitude when we give. He says:

“As a man purposeth in his heart, so let him give.” You, and you alone, decide just what you will give and how you will feel about it. But, once you have decided… give! Most people think giving is a good idea. Many people think about giving. Some people plan to give. But we must remember to actually follow through and GIVE. Paul says, “So let him give.”

“Not grudgingly, or of necessity.” I remember a time I gave to the Lord with a grudging heart. I gave because I felt I had to give and once my gift left my hand, I felt sorry it was gone. I wanted it back. What I did get back was a grudging attitude. People didn’t seem to want to help me or go out of their way for me. God’s blessings didn’t flow freely into my life. I felt like I was alone in a desert and nothing I did seemed to turn out right. If you give grudgingly, the money you give will help the work of God, but it won’t help you.

“God loveth a cheerful giver.” Love means giving. When you love someone, you give to them. When we love God, we give to Him cheerfully ― and out of His abundant love, He gives to us abundantly. When you stop to consider what God is going to give to you because He loves you ― it’s easy to give with joy!

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