DEVOTION _________________________________________________ Cheerful Giving DR. ERNEST STANDERFER “God wants each of us to learn the joy of giving. One has said, ‘We are never more like God than when we give.’” Cheerful - happy, contented, glad, enthusiastic, merry, joyful Cheerful giving - giving through one’s church with a contented and joyful attitude How difficult is it to find a cheerful giver? Most people seem more concerned with keeping their material resources than in giving them away. But what does God’s Word say about cheerful giving? “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NLT). • Cheerful giving comes when we recognize the need to give. Giving is not optional. God wants each of us to learn the joy of giving. Someone once said, “We are never more like God than when we give.” • Cheerful giving comes through a personal and prayerful decision. Our giving is not based on how much others may give, but on what we believe God would have us give! • Cheerful giving comes because we desire to give. The only valid pressure should be from the Holy Spirit Who motivates us to give. • Cheerful giving comes when we desire to please God. Saint Francis of Assisi said, “I want what God wants, that’s why I am so merry.” Lord, may we discover new joy in our giving!