The Cheerful Giver
June 12
The Cheerful Giver
"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."
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Today's Story
A church in rural Kenya practiced what they called 'dancing the offering.' When it was time to give, the congregation danced forward to the front, singing, bringing whatever they had. A Western visitor described being moved to tears: 'These were the poorest people I had ever met. They gave with more joy than any wealthy congregation I had visited.' The pastor explained: 'We have learned that our giving is not an obligation to a budget. It is a love gift to a God who loved us first. You cannot give a love gift reluctantly.' The offering was the liveliest part of their service, every week.
Reflection
The Greek word translated 'cheerful' (hilaros) is the root of our English word 'hilarious' — suggesting not merely contentment in giving but genuine, exuberant delight. Paul is not describing tolerant giving or dutiful giving; he is describing giving that has been infected by grace. The key is the motivation: not 'reluctantly or under compulsion' but from the heart, freely decided. Cheerful giving is the natural expression of having genuinely received. When we understand how much has been given to us — the grace of God, the gift of Christ, the daily new mercies — giving becomes not a burden but a response. The question is not 'How much should I give?' but 'How much have I received?'
Today's Prayer
Lord, make me a cheerful giver — hilariously generous, reflecting the grace You've poured into me. Where giving feels like compulsion, remind me of what I've received. Let my giving be a response to Your love, not a performance of duty. Amen.
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