“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8*.
Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians is encouraging people to give enthusiastically and willingly. And the reason is because God doesn’t need our money – he needs our hearts to be right with Him. It is the condition of our hearts when we give that is important.
God allows each of us the opportunity to give back to Him and to the church. Each one of us is given individual talents and different income sources. How we use those talents and resources is up to us. If we really concentrate on all that God has given to us, it can be very easy to give with thankfulness for how He provides for us in so many ways. We are given numerous blessings each day and a heart full of gratitude makes the day even better.
Giving back to God helps to express our gratitude and brings honor to Him. Doing so joyfully also helps our spirits to connect better with God and others.
*Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.