God loves a cheerful giver. He loves when we give out of gratitude. God’s grace empowers us to give proportionately and also radically when needed. We are encouraged to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1). God’s love was expressed through giving (John 3:16).
God loves a cheerful giver. What is a cheerful giver? It’s a person who gives freely — no strings attached. Cheerful givers have determined how much is “enough” for their family and decided to give the excess. They give without remorse, envy, or jealousy. Cheerful givers agree with Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Let’s review 2 Corinthians 9 verse by verse and see what we can learn together.
A Cheerful Giver — Zealous and Stirred Up!
2 Corinthians 9:1-3 Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. For I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians, “Achaia has been ready since last year,” and your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter would not prove empty, and so that you would be ready just as I said.
Paul is the best. He says that it’s unnecessary to write and he is still writing. Perhaps he is aware of our frail human nature and ability to lose track of our promises and commitments.
He continues to provoke and praise. He is provoking them by continuing to remind them of the generosity of the Macedonians and praising them for their zeal.
Paul is sending brothers, just in case.
Be Prepared
2 Corinthians 9:4-5 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be put to shame in that situation. Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised so that it will be ready as a gift and not as extortion.
Paul was concerned about how sending brothers in advance would be viewed. As tough as Paul is on many things he was tender when it came to money.
Extortion is a strong word (used in the CSB). He never wanted to be perceived as greedy by the churches.
Sow Generously And Reap Generously
2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
This verse is taken out of context often. It’s been shoehorned by a few Christian groups to justify greed and wanton desires.
It’s helpful to read this full letter in one sitting. Paul didn’t write a few verses to one church and a few more to another. Chapters eight and nine are in harmony. Both chapters are about generosity.
In the eighth chapter, Paul reminded the church that there are financial ebbs and flows. Our abundance now would help others in need.
One day, we will be in need, and their abundance will help us.
Paul was not encouraging the saints to “sow” a dollar and “reap” $1,o0o.
He was saying that now is not the time to become tight-fisted.
God Loves A Cheerful Giver
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion since God loves a cheerful giver.
We get to decide how much we give. That’s a foreign idea in some churches. Many pastors dictate how much a person gives. That’s not grace.
Reluctance in giving could have a few root causes. One could be fear. Maybe we don’t know if we’re going to make it to the end of the month. Greed could be another reason. Go to God in prayer when you’re feeling reluctance. He already knows anyway.
God is not involved in strong-arm tactic offerings. Compulsory giving is not grace-led giving.
Grace To Give
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
God pours out His grace on us in many ways. Grace empowers us to resist sin. When we have earned judgment God gives grace.
Grace also helps us overcome selfishness, covetousness, and similar traits.
Our sinful nature doesn’t want to give away anything. We could spend every penny and justify it without an ounce of guilt.
God’s grace empowers us towards generosity.
Here’s an article that I wrote about 2 Corinthians 8 titled Embrace The Grace Of Giving. They’re kind of a package deal.
Giving To The Poor
2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.
The Bible is packed with warnings towards the poor. Poverty is often a result of foolishness and laziness.
The Bible overflows with encouragement to give to the poor generously. Christians in Jerusalem we facing extreme hardship and Paul wanted to help.
In this verse, Paul is quoting Psalm 112:9.
Caring for and giving to the poor is always a great idea.
God Rewards Generosity
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
Generosity is expected. However, God also rewards it.
We’re definitely in a win-win type of situation.
God provides the seed for us to sow.
Our harvest, according to the Bible, is in righteousness.
Overflowing In Thankfulness
2 Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Yes, we’re giving to those in need. It’s also near and dear to the heart of God.
When someone blesses my kids I am joyful.
The Proof Is In The Pudding
2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone.
The church in Jerusalem will glorify God. They probably feel abandoned and hopeless. They are persecuted, hungry, and suffering affliction. Out of nowhere comes a band of believers with some food and other supplies.
Miraculous!
The Surpassing Grace of God
2 Corinthians 9:14 And as they pray on your behalf, they will have a deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
God’s grace is surpassing. It’s difficult to comprehend. Paul uses the word grace six times in two chapters.
It’s a big deal.
The Gift of Grace
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
God’s gift to us is His grace.
Let’s live up to His gift of grace in every way imaginable.