2 Corinthians 9:7

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Some years ago, I was involved with setting up a new hospice. There was a desperate need to raise funds and, although I had never done such a thing before, I offered to organise a house-to-house collection. I recruited collectors and off we went. It was the most beautiful experience. Almost everyone was not only keen to give but thankful that we went to the trouble of knocking on their door. Many of you will have been involved in door-to-door collections and may have had a very different experience. I certainly have. On occasions, doors have been slammed in my face, but more often, there has been an attitude of indifference and an eagerness to put some small change in my box to encourage me to go away!

God loves cheerful givers, and it is easy to understand why. He loves to see the cheerfulness because it shows the giver has understood that they are participating in his ministry to the world, and what could be more exciting than that? In making our gifts, we are declaring that we want the kingdom of God to come here on earth as it is in heaven. The person who gives to God with reluctance and a simmering resentment would be well advised to keep the money in their pocket – they clearly haven’t grasped what Christian giving is all about. When we place money in God’s hands, we can expect that lives will be blessed and people will find encouragement and hope. There is plenty to be cheerful about.

Running Premier is an expensive business. It is very costly to obtain the licences to broadcast and to employ all the staff needed to run the three radio stations, three magazines and a large number of other activities. My prayer is that as you support this amazing ministry you will do so with an infectious cheerfulness and excitement. God is at work, and it doesn’t get better than that!

Question

Are you a cheerful giver?

Prayer

Lord God, I pray that you will help me to find ever-increasing joy in my giving. Amen