The Corinthian church promised to generously give toward a financial collection to be sent to the suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Paul wanted these brothers and sisters to make good on their promise, to keep their commitment.

(NASB) 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Lesson 1 – Giving honestly
Whatever I decide to give to further God’s work in any one area – I am to stay true to that decision.

Lesson 2 – Giving generously
I am not to give the amount I decided upon with clenched jaw and with a clenched fist.  I am not to give reluctantly or with sorrow.  I am to give what I said I would give – with a generous attitude.

Lesson 3 – Giving freely
I am not to give what I decided upon as if another were forcing me to give.  I was not under compulsion when I made the decision and I am not under compulsion as if being oppressed.
I am to offer freely the amount I committed to giving.

Lesson 4 – Giving cheerfully
God loves a cheerful giver.  Whatever I decide on giving – I am to give with a cheerful attitude – an attitude which expresses the joy of giving for God’s glory.  God is glorified when I give toward other believers’ real needs.  Promptness in doing God’s will meets others needs and glorifies Almighty God.

My inner attitude matters to God.

~ Take it to heart ~

Whenever you give – whether financially, time, good deeds, good words, remember…

Four lessons:

Giving honestly –

Giving generously –

Giving freely –

Giving cheerfully!