Cheerful Givers // 2 Corinthians 9:7

Today’s verse is a favorite of many preachers and is particularly relevant for this Lord’s Day. The entire verse states, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I think the operative word in this verse is, cheerful, which is translated as hilaros from the Greek. This word essentially means the same as what you’d expect: cheerful, joyous, with a healthy dose of exuberant laughter. There is a secondary element to it, however, which really adds some depth and dimension to this instruction: hilaro also implies a sense of readiness. It means to be ready to act at a moment’s notice. I think that’s pretty cool! Have you thought about what you’re going to give to God to further the work of the Church today? Have you prepared yourself to give so when you do, you do so cheerfully? You might think what you have to give is a drop in the bucket compared to the need, but the Lord is in the miracle multiplying business. When you give cheerfully, and your neighbor gives cheerfully, God joyfully responds and invites us into a reality that will blow your mind! So, get ready to cheerfully help Jesus in His rescue mission for humanity and be prepared for the Lord to surprise you along the way. So, May we all head to worship today with exuberant excitement and expectation!