What Does It Mean To Be A Cheerful Giver?
The Heart of Giving: Exploring What It Means to Be a Cheerful Giver
One of the most famous exhortations in the New Testament about giving comes from the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. The call to be a “cheerful giver” is not just a suggestion about attitude—it’s a rich biblical principle that reveals God’s heart for generosity among His people.
The Biblical Foundation for Cheerful Giving
Paul writes:
Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7 ASV
The Greek word rendered “cheerful” is hilaros, from which we get the English word “hilarious.” It conveys the sense of someone who gives joyfully, without reluctance or compulsion. The verse makes it clear that God values not just the act of giving, but the attitude with which it is done.
Giving: Not Under Compulsion, but from the Heart
In the Old Testament, giving was sometimes required as part of the law (see Leviticus 27:30 ASV). However, the New Testament emphasizes voluntary generosity, motivated by love and gratitude.
Paul further explains:
But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. - 2 Corinthians 9:6 ASV
This passage teaches that our giving reflects our trust in God’s provision. Giving cheerfully is a demonstration of faith that God will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19 ASV).
The Example of Jesus Christ
Our ultimate example in giving is Jesus Himself:
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9 ASV
Jesus willingly gave Himself for us—not reluctantly, but out of love. Our giving, therefore, becomes a joyful response to His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15 ASV).
Practical Outworking of Cheerful Giving
- Purposeful: Giving is intentional, not impulsive or coerced (2 Corinthians 9:7 ASV).
- Proportionate: Each person gives “as he hath purposed in his heart,” which means generosity is measured not by the amount, but by the heart’s willingness (Luke 21:1-4 ASV).
- Private and God-centered: Jesus taught that giving should not be for show, but for God’s glory (Matthew 6:1-4 ASV).
- Worshipful: True giving is an act of worship and gratitude (Psalm 96:8 ASV).
Why Does God Love a Cheerful Giver?
God’s love for cheerful givers stems from His own generous nature. When we give cheerfully, we reflect His character and His love for others. It’s not the size of the gift, but the spirit behind it that delights God (Proverbs 11:25 ASV).
Conclusion
Being a cheerful giver means giving freely, joyfully, and out of love for God and others. It is a response to God’s generosity in Christ, not a means to earn His favor. As we give, we participate in God’s work and experience the joy that comes from reflecting His heart.