Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2Corinthians 9:7
God loves a cheerful giver. Our God is a giver and he has given us the greatest gift of all - his son.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God gave his son because he loves the whole world. He has shown us what love is and he asks us to be givers. The Bible tells us to give in a certain way.
First, as you have purposes in your heart. No one can tell you how much to give or to whom you should give. You must purpose this in your own heart. You should always pray about what you give. Allow God to lead you.
Second, the Bible says not to give grudgingly. This has the meaning of being sorrowful as you give. This would happen when a person gives but really does not want to. Are you loving money? Or do you not believe in the cause you are giving to? If you cannot give cheerfully, you should check your motives. It may be that you are worshipping and serving the idol of Mammon instead of God.
Third, the Bible says not to give of necessity. This does not mean you should not give to someone or something because they need the money. It means not to give of constraint. No one can force you into giving. If the organization seems to be using guilt or ungodly motivation to get you to give, it is not a godly situation.
Instead our giving is to be liberal (generous) and cheerful. It is a wonderful thing to be the conduit through which the grace of God flows to someone else. Money is a tool and it is kingdom building tool. Te Lord Jesus teaches us:
Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
In Christ,
Rody
