… give: not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9:7
Apostle Paul sets himself as a model for Christian stewardship. In today’s verse, he motivates Christians in Corinth to give collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
He also exhorts them that the act of giving should be voluntary and cheerful, not reluctantly or out of obligation or compulsion.
God values the heart of the giver, not the gift being given.
The great gift of Ananias and Sapphira was rejected because it was motivated by selfishness; and the gift of the widow’s mites, though exceedingly small, was praised by Jesus because of her true devotion.
It is only when we learn to give ourselves to Christ that we can cheerfully give to support His purpose.
Lord, the giver of all good gifts, grant us cheerful hearts, that our act of giving might be acceptable in your sight. In Jesus name. Amen!