“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.”

There is a pure joy in giving to others that come from the heart. Many people give, but all giving is not for the same reason. There are those who expect compensation for the gift or favor shown. The apostle Paul reminded his followers as he went towards Jerusalem to face the unknown of how he laboured and gave expecting nothing in return, being an example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.

It does the heart good to be able to give and brighten someone else’s day. Can you imagine the feeling of the poor widow that Jesus spoke of in Mark chapter 12? “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44.

She had nothing left, but she gave her all. The rich gave far more than she did, because they had plenty, and it really did not have much meaning except to show their arrogance and self-righteousness…but that poor widow woman knew what it meant to have lack and out of a heart of pure joy gave all that she had left to someone else in need.

Why are you giving or doing what you do in your service for the Lord today-is it from a willing mind and heart? “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.”

It is a fact my friends, you can’t beat God’s giving…He knows our hearts and sees our motives for giving. He blesses our faithfulness in recognizing that all things belong to Him, and when we release what God has given us to others, it’s amazing how He fills our cup right back up so that it overflows to give again! “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38.

So, check your heart when you give either in time or treasures, God will reward you accordingly. Ultimately, our Lord and Savior gave his very life so that we could live eternally, and He has blessed us with innumerous spiritual blessings from on high. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7.

My friends, never let us forget… that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive!