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"God loves a cheerful giver."

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:7

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GIVING

Paul had a very clear Biblical theology on the subject of “giving”. He states some very basic principles about how believers ought to view the giving of their offerings to God.

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart,
not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7

1. “So let each one give”

a) Giving is an action the individual must decide on.

b) There is to be no coercion from the church or the Christian organisation.

c) It is entirely free-will.

2. “As he purposes in his heart”

a) The word “purpose” has the following nuances.

i) It involves forethought.

ii) It involves some deliberation.

iii) It includes a decision that the individual arrives at.

b) In his heart

i) As he feels.

ii) As he believes.

iii) As he loves.

3. What giving should never be

a) Not grudgingly

The following nuances ought to be noted:

i) The giver ought not to feel “sorrow” or “regret” as he plans his gift.

ii) There must not be a sense of reluctance either.

b) Nor of necessity

The following nuances are found in the word “necessity”.

i) Constraint

ii) Compulsion

4. “For God loves a cheerful giver”

a) God is the Receiver of all our offerings!

b) He loves the cheerful giver.

c) The believer gives out of a really happy heart!