Session 9
A Cheerful Giver
From Rich Toward God
Have you ever felt the joy that comes from giving something away? Maybe you’ve cooked a homemade meal for a family going through a hard time, bought a special birthday gift for a friend, or caught the home run ball only to toss it to a nearly waiting child. Whether our gift is big or small, it stirs up something special in us: joy.
Scripture repeatedly shows us that it’s good not only to tithe, but to give offerings. In this passage, Paul encourages the church in Corinth to give cheerfully. Why do you think generosity produces this fruit of the Spirit? When we’re generous with our time, energy, and resources, we find a special kind of joy—perhaps it’s because we’re acting like our generous Father when we do.
God’s joy and affirmation is directed to those that give cheerfully, and as we cultivate this joy through generosity, we become more like Him. A joyful giver is a person who understands just how much they’ve been given. The offerings we bring come out of our own gratitude and thankfulness to God. Joy is the fuel that moves us beyond obligation into delight.
REFLECT
- What does it mean for you to give cheerfully?
- How is God calling you to respond in thankfulness to Him?