“Let each one (give) as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (that is, He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, prompt-to-do-it) giver...And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Some people say you need to “give till it hurts.” Don't you believe it. God doesn't want gifts given in pain. He wants gifts given in joy! In fact, those are the only kinds of gifts that please Him. That's why He tacked His promise of abundance onto His command about cheerful giving. The two are connected.

Cheerful, full of faith, even hilarious giving--that is the key that unlocks the treasure house of God. Have you ever seen a group of people give that way? I have and it revolutionized my life. Our Pastor John Osteen in Houston taught us to give that way and anytime that an opportunity to give was announced, tens of thousands of people would burst into a spontaneous, supernatural celebration. Great healings and miracles were common-place and many, many people would give their lives to Jesus each and every time. Millions of dollars were given to Missionaries all over the world to spread the Gospel, and the Name of The Lord Jesus was glorified! The people brought their offerings to God joyously and hilariously. The offering wasn't extracted from them like a dentist extracts teeth. It was given gladly.

The concept of “giving till it hurts” did not come from God. He would rather that you give ten dollars with that kind of joy than twenty dollars grudgingly. In 2 Corinthians 8:11-12, the Apostle Paul urges the Church in Corinth to give with eager willingness. Eager willingness, that's what God looks for!

If you haven't given that way in the past, make a firm commitment to start. Repent for the times that you have given grudgingly. Then spend some serious time with God and His Word in your prayer closet, so that when you give again, you can give from a willing heart.

Put the “pain” of giving behind. Become a cheerful, joyous, prompt-to-do-it giver, and believe me, your blessing will abound!

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15