Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity: The Call of 2 Corinthians 9:7

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

“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.”

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In our Daily Light devotional today, we dive deep into the heart of 2 Corinthians 9:7, an important verse that illuminates the spirit of generosity in a Christian’s life and the divine principle of cheerful giving.

This verse comes from a section of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians where he is encouraging them to prepare a gift for the believers in Jerusalem. The central message here transcends the context and speaks directly to our hearts today about the attitude we should have towards giving.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…” This phrase emphasizes the personal nature of giving. It’s not about meeting a certain quota or giving just because it’s expected. It’s about what we, as individuals, have decided in our hearts to give. This kind of giving is intentional, thought-out, and arises from a deep-seated desire to give.

Paul continues, “…not reluctantly or under compulsion…” These words caution us against two detrimental attitudes in giving. We shouldn’t give out of reluctance, where our heart isn’t in it, nor should we give under compulsion, feeling forced or pressured. True giving is voluntary and comes from a place of willingness.

“For God loves a cheerful giver.” This concluding statement is a beautiful reminder of the joy of giving. The Greek word for cheerful is “hilaros,” from which we get our English word “hilarious.” God doesn’t just love a grudging giver or a merely dutiful giver. He loves a hilariously cheerful giver!

As we reflect on this verse today, let us evaluate our attitudes towards giving. Are we giving from a place of reluctance or compulsion, or are we hilariously cheerful givers? Let us ask God to cultivate a spirit of generosity in us, where we find joy and cheer in the act of giving, whether it’s our time, resources, love, or encouragement.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your generosity towards us. Help us to become cheerful givers, finding joy in generosity. Cultivate in us a heart that delights in giving, not reluctantly or under compulsion, but willingly and cheerfully. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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Discussion Questions:

1. What does being a ‘cheerful giver’ mean to you?
2. Can you share an instance when you experienced joy in giving?
3. How can we cultivate a spirit of cheerful giving in our lives?
4. What can we give today that can make a difference in someone’s life?

Please share your insights and experiences in the comments below. As we learn from each other, we grow in our journey towards becoming cheerful givers.