Main Thought
God loves a cheerful giver. But it can be hard to give cheerfully sometimes. We might be tempted to hoard resources like our time, talent, and treasure. How can we be moved to give cheerfully, from the heart?
We can give cheerfully because we’ve received the precious life of Christ, God’s grace, and God’s love as free gifts. Giving honors God. We can make an eternal difference when we give, as people receive opportunities to follow Jesus. God uses giving and generosity to help us become more like Jesus. God blesses us with what we need to abound in every good work, and He teaches us contentment and satisfaction in the process. With all this in mind, we can give cheerfully because we’ve already received more than we could ever imagine.
Discussion Passages
'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.'
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV
'As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.'
- 2 Corinthians 9:9-11 NIV
'This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!'
- 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 NIV
Discussion Questions
What can make it difficult to give cheerfully? What barriers might we experience when giving our time, talent, or treasure?
God’s blessings can come in different shapes and sizes. They’re an expression of His grace, and they lead us to honor Him and bless others. How has God blessed you in a meaningful way? How might remembering what you’ve received from God shape the way you think about giving?
How have you personally benefited from someone else’s generosity toward God’s Kingdom? How did their generosity create an opportunity for you to experience God, grow in your faith, or be blessed in some way?