How Do I Give With A Generous Heart?

How do we give with Joyful hearts?

So far, in our Generosity Study, we have covered that as a follower of Christ, giving is an essential part of our faith. But how do we give with the right mindset? Surely this is something we are supposed to enjoy. That should be a blessing...right? In 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV, Paul reminds us that when we give cheerfully, we will reap blessings in return.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 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. 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV

It can be easy to view giving as a burden or obligation, but God calls us to give with a joyful heart. When we give generously, and with a positive attitude, we not only bless others but also experience the joy of giving.

It's important to remember that our giving isn't just about supporting our local church or ministry. It's about supporting the kingdom of God and advancing His work on earth. Whether we're giving our time, talents, or finances, each contribution is significant and can make a difference in someone's life.

When we give with a cheerful heart, we open ourselves up to receive blessings in return. As Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 9:8, "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."

So is the secret to giving with a "joyful heart" doing so while expecting something in return? Coming to God knowing that I will get something in return for the gifts that I give? A mindset called Prosperity Gospel is sweeping the nation inside Christianity. Core to its foundation is the idea that if I'm good and give, I will be blessed primarily through good health and financial success. 

This is false. 

In verse 8 of our passage, Paul discusses how our blessings will abound in every good work. Our blessings and the subsequent happiness from them come not from finances or personal health but from doing good works. When we bless others, we are blessed in ways that go beyond money and straight into the realm of purpose. When we give freely, we gain something far beyond something so easy to acquire as money.

What is it worth to find and live inside what you were created to do? This is why I give. This is why everyone I know gives. Because we get the privilege and blessing to be a part of changing the world for the better, spreading the gospel, and helping those in need.

Think about this. 

We live in a society that expects the church to step up and help when things go wrong. America depends on the philanthropic and evangelical work of the church to save lives and souls. Yet, less than 20% of people in America who claim to be Christians attend church weekly. So how does all this work get done, and maybe more importantly, why? Because those who are committed, those who do give, understand what it means to be blessed. They might not be the richest or most intelligent but they are the most blessed.

What if they are onto something? What if they have figured it out?