2 Corinthians 9:10-11 – Cheerful Giving

The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. Our generosity towards others can be expressed in many ways, big and small. Unfortunately, we may also expect reward or recognition for our acts of generosity. Driven by the belief that those who sow generously shall also reap generously, we, at times, lose sight of what God intended for our hearts. Too often we have an unspoken desire for others to know that we’ve performed a good deed or given to a worthy cause.

Consider today’s devotional Bible verses:

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 ESV

The Apostle Paul tells us that the real reward for our cheerful giving comes when the beneficiaries of our kindness know nothing about us, instead giving praise and thanksgiving to God for providing for their needs. We should always feel compelled to give as if no one were watching, and to find joy and comfort in the fact that God gets all the glory. The young mother sleeping in a warm, secure shelter due to your financial generosity may never know your name, but you can rejoice knowing that she is giving thanks to God for keeping her family safe from harm.

When you consider that our generosity is only made possible by the grace that God has extended to us, it all seems rather fitting. Our resources, however great or small, are gifts from our loving God. We honor God when we give generously, expecting nothing in return.

Indeed, God loves a cheerful giver.

What are the ways you can honor God today by sharing your gifts with a person in need?

Guest devotion by Fred Parry. Fred is a magazine publisher who lives in Columbia, Missouri with his wife Melody and sons Max and Nick. He is the coordinator of the annual CoMo Christian Men’s Conference. He is a member of Woodcrest Chapel. Learn how you can become a guest writer.