A Cheerful Giver

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I don’t know of a better description of the generosity God desires in the lives of those who trust Him than Churchill’s statement; “We make a life by what we give.” Jesus was a giver. He gave miracles, food, forgiveness, encouragement, healing, and purpose to people. The Apostle Paul quotes Jesus’ statement; “It is better to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NLT) Paul encouraged the disciples in Corinth, writing: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV) Generosity pleases the heart of God. God’s heart is pleased because people make a life by what they give. Preachers sometimes encourage followers of Jesus to live generously promising financial blessings in return. God often blesses generosity in monetary ways, but not always. Life is better because of the spiritual, emotional, and psychological rewards. A generous person’s life is better spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically than a stingy person’s life. The return on generosity is often peace, joy, fulfillment, and purpose because the spiritual truths are “it is better to give than to receive” and “God loves a cheerful giver.” Receiving might be good but giving is BETTER! I would rephrase “God loves a cheerful giver” as “God is pleased by a cheerful giver.” God loves. He can’t help but love. God doesn’t love a cheerful giver more than a grumpy giver. BUT HE IS DEFINITELY PLEASED WITH A CHEERFUL GIVER AS OPPOSED TO A GRUMPY GIVER. Giving is giving, but cheerful giving is better. When you are challenged to give, when you have the opportunity to give, when you decide to give, do it cheerfully knowing you are making a life for yourself and for others. Jesus, make us cheerful givers for your pleasure! Amen