Tuesday: Cheerful or Obligated?

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver... For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God."     2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 12

I encourage you once again to read this entire chapter in order to understand the context. What Paul is addressing here comes just before he is about to come to Corinth to collect their offering. Paul address something very important here that applies to all of us when it comes to giving, especially to God. Paul says that if someone sows sparingly (referring to a farmer planting his crop), then he will also reap sparingly. Like wise if we give little we will receive little. On the other hand he says when we sow bountifully we will also reap bountifully. The whole purpose of giving to God when it comes to tithing is not because God needs our money, for He has already given us everything thing we own. God doesn't need our help, but He wants our lives. When we are giving to God not only are we financially supporting those in ministry and others in need, but we are surrendering our money to God.

However, not only are we called to give as the Corinthian church was we are also called to give with a happy heart. This means that we are not to give under obligation or compulsion but to give because we want to. Yes, we are called to give, but to give with a willing, cheerful heart. Paul also points out that giving is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. Giving is also about pleasing God and thanking Him for blessing us with so much that we are giving a portion of it back for His use. I know it's hard to give as a college student, especially if you have to income during the year, but this shouldn't stop us. Think of how many times you eat out weekly, buy clothing, go see a movie, anything. We all do these things, and no it's not wrong, but we could sacrifice going out to eat once a week to eat at the rot or not buy that t-shirt that I don't really need and give that money to God. Think about it, we can still find ways to give back to God, but the important thing is that we do it willingly and not pridefully or under obligation!

God loves a cheerful giver
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