Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly.
(1 Chronicles 29:9 NASB)
6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NASB)
A Cheerful giver; how I wish I could say this was me. A Fearful giver is more accurate, or perhaps a dutiful giver would be a good description of myself. This is the only time in the entire Bible that the Word “giver” is used, one solitary time. It means simply, bestower. Bestower means benefactor, subsidizer, donor, helper or presenter. Someone who donates to a cause, willingly, that they believe strongly in. I have always said that I could never be a sales person, because you have to either be manipulative, or you have to believe so strongly in what you are selling that you can really “talk it up.” The only thing I believe in that strongly is The Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is freely offered to us through belief (John 3:16-17).
But I must question myself here, Do I really believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ as strongly as I think I do? If so, why am I not a more “Cheerful, Willing Giver? The Word cheerful means, “cheerful, joyous, merry, willing; it even means hilarious. A hilarious Giver, I like that. I want to become like that. I want to be a joyful giver, a willing giver, a hilarious giver.
Jesus, all I can do is admit where I am at right now. All I can do is bring this fearful giver to your loving heart, and ask You to change me, and make me a willing, cheerful, hilarious giver. I want to rejoice when I drop that money in the offering plate. Jesus, I don’t know how to change myself in this area, it’s a matter of the heart. But You are the Master and Lord of my heart, and I am asking You to change me and make me a more cheerful giver, a more joyous person, a merrymaker for the Kingdom of God. I lay my weak, fearful self before You this day, and trust You to do as You always do; receive me, love me, and change me. Thank You, Amen!
