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Becoming a Cheerful Giver

II Corinthians 9:6-8 – “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

            The subject of giving can be a controversial subject in our churches today. Some will accuse the church of just being after their money. We must acknowledge there have been those who abused their position of leadership to manipulate God’s people for their own purposes.  The truth is God’s Word says a great deal about how we are to give and manage the resources He places in our responsibility. William R. Kimball writes, “Christian stewardship is defined as an individual’s responsibility to properly manage everything which God has entrusted to his or her care.”[1]

Giving should be not a legalistic obligation, but an act of worship motivated by our love and appreciation for all He has done for us. Our stewardship should begin with the discipline of tithing. The tithe is ten percent of our income.  Malachi 3:10 instructs us “to bring all our tithes into the storehouse.”

Elmer Towns in his study, I Believe in Tithing, writes, “I believe in tithing because:
Tithing obeys God . . .
Tithing prospers the church . . .
Tithing provides money to win souls . . .
Tithing causes me to grow in grace . . .
Tithing prospers me financially . . .”[2]

In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians we learn, “God loves a cheerful giver.”  The word cheerful means joyous.  “The word describes a spirit of enjoyment in giving that sweeps away all restraints.”[3]  There is a promise of blessing to those who joyously give to the Lord. 


[1] Kimball, William, Learning About the Tithe, Christian Equippers International, South Lake Tahoe, California.
[2] Towns, Elmer, I Believe in Tithing, j.b5z.net/i/u/2115673/f/Tithing-Is-Christian-Elmer-Towns.pdf, June 20, Page 3.
[3] Word Wealth, The New Spirit Filled Life Bible, Kindle Edition, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN.  Kindle Location 222136. 

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