READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11

Have you ever thought, “I’d give all my money for that”? We may have this thought about possessions we really want to have, but it also may occur to us when someone we love is hurt. We might be hesitant to give our hard-earned dollars to something that feels distant, like the church offering or an organization we don’t know much about. But when someone we love is seriously hurt or sick, we’d pay anything to help them get well again. We wouldn’t even hesitate to give away our whole savings.

When we really love someone, we’re glad to give. That’s how God wants us to give to Him—not because we have to, or because He needs anything (He doesn’t), but because we love Him. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “God loves a cheerful giver” in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Being a cheerful giver is when we don’t even hesitate to give all we have because we love the person we’re giving to so much.

Of course, giving our money to God won’t always feel this way. But when we remember all He has given us, it makes us more cheerful givers. Jesus gave up everything for us. God became human and took the position of a servant. He was willing to die a terrible death on a cross so He could heal us from the sickness of sin and death and bring us near to God. He gave His life for us, and then, He rose from the dead. So now, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is made new. As Christians, we can know that we will be resurrected like Jesus was, and we will live with Him forever in the new heavens and new earth when He returns. And in the meantime, He is always with us through His Spirit. So we can experience the immense comfort, joy, and purpose that comes from knowing the living God. When we rest in God’s immeasurable love for us and remember all He has done for us, that is what compels us to give cheerfully. • A. W. Smith

• In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to give a tenth (or tithe) of their income to Him. In the New Testament, we see Christians giving to God in a variety of ways. When you’ve received money—whether from a part-time job, an allowance, or doing work for neighbors, etc.—have you ever given part of it to God through tithes and offerings? He calls us to give back part of what we’re given, remembering it all belongs to Him. But He wants us to do it willingly, not because we feel guilty or pressured. Consider taking a moment to pray and talk to Jesus, thanking Him for all He’s done for you and asking Him how He is calling you to give.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)