Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV

This particular verse has often caused me pause.  For, no matter how much I give to God, through His Church or otherwise, I always wonder, “Did I do it cheerfully?”  All too often the answer has been, “no.”  I have resented time spent on projects, thought what other things I could do with money placed in collection plates, or even resisted sharing things I hold dear.

For us sinners, giving is often the modern version of a sacrifice.  We think of it as giving up the things we don’t really want to because that is how we can show our gratitude to God.  We think of it as giving something to God.

But, you see, God doesn’t need what you have.  He has everything.  He even owns everything that you think is yours – He has simply lent it to you.  So, it is important to remember that we are not giving God anything.  But what we are doing is showing our gratitude – gratitude for the very real sacrifice He made for us on the cross.

I recently gave a sermon where I pointed out that what God desires is paying it forward.  We can’t repay God for what He has done for us, but we can, “Feed His sheep.”  We can take care of His creation; especially our Church, our Pastor, the less fortunate, our families, and the others He has given us to care for - all in gratitude for what Christ has done for us.  That gratitude is the cheerful heart.  That gratitude takes it from compulsion, from an obligation, to a joy!

We pray – Dearest Jesus, thank You for all You gave up to save us from ourselves.  Help us to be cheerful as we respond in gratitude by caring for those You have given us to care for.  We ask this in Your Holy Name. – Amen.