2 Corinthians 9:7

2 Corinthians 9: 7

“Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This chapter has been primarily about ministering to the saints and what that involves, how we ought to be supporting our fellow brother and sisters in the Lord. As believers and especially those who are involved in “Missions” it is hard to take our eyes off of the world that has Yet to hear the Name of Jesus. Yet, Chapter 9 brings us back to some of the other responsibilities as Believers that we all have and that is to sow not just to those who have yet to hear but to also sow among those who are believers.

9:7 says: “Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart.” Part of verse 7

Romans 12:6-8 as well as 2 Corinthians 8: 12 these were just 2 of the many cross references to this passage.

“And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith, if service, in his serving, or he who teaches, in his teaching or he who exhorts, in his exhortation, he who gives with liberality, he who leads, with diligence and he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8

“For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according what a man has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

This is yet another conformation that I/we need to be intentional in using our gifts to minister to one another and also to those who are lost. The verse that keeps coming to my mind is ; John 13:(34),35 “ By this all men will know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another.”

“, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver” continuation of verse 7

Not Grudgingly
Deut. 15:10-11

“You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land’.”

Nor Under Compulsion (obligation)
1 Chronicles 29:17
“Since I know, O my God, that Thou triest the heart and delightest in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Thy people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to Thee.”

Oh that we might all be like these!

“For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9: closing of 7

I would challenge you to re-visit what gift you have been given according to the grace given you! J How are you using it or them? I pray you are not using them as verse 9:7 , under compulsion or grudgingly but rather from the opposite, with intention and cheerfully or willingly.

Lord that we might all be faithful to use the gifts you have given us according to the grace given. I pray we would purposefully use them with uprightness, integrity of heart, willingly, use them and give what we have to glorify You Lord Jesus!

Lord – Today help us all to be mindful how we use the things You have so graciously given us. From the wealth you bless us with, to the food you provide us, all the way to the gifts you have given us. May we honor you , bless your kingdom, and further Your work on this earth through our obedience and cheerfulness in being used by You!

Bless us Lord!
It is in Your name I pray!
The Name of Jesus!
Amen!