2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
The Old Testament is very clear and specific about tithing. 1/10th of all earnings must be tithed under the Mosaic Law. However, there is no mention of tithing in the New Testament. The cap on 1/10th has been removed. The New Testament only talks about a “cheerful giver”. Giving is measured only by gratitude and not by the quantity. A cheerful giver gives out of love and not compulsion hence the 1/10th mentioned in the Old Testament only serves only as the base for our giving.
Cheerfulness comes from a grateful heart whereas stinginess and selfishness go together. A stingy person is under the illusion that he owns his wealth. We are only stewards of our wealth and possession, we own nothing – God does. Those who forget the grace of God become ungrateful and greedy. On the other hand, God loves a cheerful and a grateful giver.
David accumulated a humongous and limitless amount of wealth, gold, silver and building materials to build the temple of God. The giving of our Old Testament hero David was from a loving and grateful heart. David was not restricted by the Law. He gave from his own wealth to build God’s temple. He did not just tithe but gave cheerfully and bountifully.
AD talks about a cheerful giver:
1. Compulsion: Compulsory giving yields no gain. If we are compelled to give to gain importance or be noticed by men, then we will be ignored by heaven.
2. Customary: Customary giving is monotonous but the Lord is looking for those who give because they are a grateful giver rather than the customary religious giver. In customary giving the mind is tuned to believe that we give to get from God. Customary giving is motivated by recognition.
3. Cheerful: Cheerful giver gives because it is an expression of gratitude to the Lord. Only cheerful giving is honoured by the Lord. David accumulated treasures for the Lord’s temple and the Lord God built his legacy. A cheerful giver will be recognized and noticed by heaven.
BC, the Mosaic commandment requires compulsory giving but AD only talks about a cheerful giver.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, may my giving or tithing never be out of compulsion but gratitude and a cheerful heart. Amen.
Leave a Reply