South Hills Church Community

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 reads:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

God loves a cheerful giver.  Let’s unpack that.

Valentine’s day is on Thursday.  Imagine that on valentine’s day that I showed up at my wife’s office and surprised her with some flowers.  Consider how she might react if I said something like this:

As a result of your ongoing fulfillment of your marriage vows and demonstrative excellence in the culinary and custodial arts, I am obligated to present you with these dying plants.  Please accept them as an implied symbol of the affection I am obligated to show you, in return for the cooking and cleaning and other services rendered.  I'm glad that's over.  What time will you be serving dinner this evening?

OK, so if I was dumb enough to do that, do you think my Kelly would be looking at those flowers all afternoon, thinking fond thoughts about her husband?  Of course not!  In fact, our relationship would be in better shape if I skipped the flowers altogether. 

But isn’t that how we approach our gifts to the Lord sometimes?  Instead of letting our joy spill out and bless Christ, Las Vegas, and the Nations, we give to ease our guilt.  We approach our Heavenly Father and treat him like a tradesman; instead of enjoying the pleasure that comes from giving a good gift, we complete a transaction, and in doing so we disappoint God and we cheat ourselves.

As you give, I encourage you to give your tithes and offerings with joy, respect, and passion for the King and his coming Kingdom.  Make your gift a real act of worship, and experience the absolute satisfaction of cheerful giving.