Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
In these three chapters (7-9) of the Bible’s book of Second Corinthians Paul the Apostle writes concerning his collection of money to be taken and given to the church at Jerusalem (See Acts 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:25-31). In the two verses above he sketches out a sort of contract between the giver and God. God’s part is seen in providing the giver with the stuff of life in abundance. The giver’s part is seen in receiving, recognizing both adequacy and oversupply, and freely and joyfully choosing to give. Whenever that choice is made in that frame of mind, God smiles.
According to Paul, giving when motivated by mere duty is not so desired by God, neither is giving while harboring a begrudging attitude. What is your frame of mind when giving, reader?
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