“Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul is steering his way through this second letter to the Corinthian Church. In Chapter 8 he has arrived at a concern about their “giving”. Like many Pastors today, this is probably an area he didn’t want to elaborate on. 🙂 But because God had commissioned him as an Apostolic Founder and Overseer of this Church, he knows he must, and so he does. He begins by using “other” Churches that they were familiar with as a way to encourage them. You see, they had already begun to brag about how they had “been prepared since last year” to help the needy Jerusalem Saints with a “bountiful gift”! It seems now, they had shrunk back a bit. But Paul Loves them and doesn’t want to see them embarrassed. Today’s Verse comes at the heart of that Reminder.
Many are familiar with this verse today as they hear an encouragement to give their Tithes and Offerings in a proper manner; and so they should! But consider this verse outside that realm; consider it in light of how it applies to “all” of our lives. We are told by Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians “you are not your own…you have been bought with a price”. We were Slaves of Satan and God came and bought us from that Cruel Taskmaster! If we truly believe this, then we would not only give our Money gladly, but we would give of ourselves and all that we have! We would not give or serve “reluctantly or under compulsion” but freely and joyfully! Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”. This does not become a command to the Believer; it becomes the desire of his heart. May these thoughts help encourage us to see our lives through a more Biblical Lens!