How Can I Be a Cheerful Giver?

We’ve all heard the adage “God loves a cheerful giver,” but does the Bible really say that, and how do you do it—especially if you’re on a tight budget?

The Bible does indeed call Christians to not only be generous but to be cheerful while being generous. Join me as we set the stage for the concept of cheerful giving.

The Bible and Money
Money is mentioned about 800 times in the Bible, so what we do with our finances matters to God. One of the most quoted verses about giving is 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” (ESV). But it’s a little more complex than just throwing a $10 bill in the offering plate once a month.

Tithing is an oft-debated topic within the church, even though as far back as Abram in Genesis 14, people were giving a tenth, or a tithe, of their goods to the Lord in thanksgiving for His blessings. When the Law was given to Moses, we see how the Israelites were to tithe 10% of their produce, animals, goods, and wealth (see for example Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 12:5–6; 2 Chronicles 31:4–5; Nehemiah 10:35–37).

One of the most direct challenges regarding tithing is found in Malachi 3. Let’s just look at verses 8–12 (ESV):

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, “How have we robbed you?” In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

Here we are challenged not to rob God by not giving Him a full tithe. But look at the blessings God will pour down when we do give our tithes: “Until there is no more need.” That’s a solid motivation to give our tithes!

Jesus and the apostle Paul also had quite a bit to say about our finances. Here are just a few examples:

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:1–4 ESV).

Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back (Luke 6:30 ESV).

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13 ESV).

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 ESV).

Giving Cheerfully
As we can see, we are to give generously. But what about the cheerful part? Let’s take a closer look at 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” (ESV). For context, all of 2 Corinthians 9 deals with the apostle Paul giving instructions about a promised financial gift from the Christians in Corinth to the Christians in Jerusalem.

In verses 1–5, Paul urges them to collect the offering and have it ready ahead of time. When we take the time to include our tithes in our budget, we will find it much easier to give than if we forget about it until the offering plate creeps down the aisle.

As a reward for giving generously, God promises that He will “make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (v. 8).

A real-life example of people wildly excited to give is in 1 Chronicles 29 (ESV) when King David collected gifts to help his son Solomon build the Temple. David himself had also given generously (as seen in vs. 1–5). After the people had given their offerings, they “rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord” (v. 9). Read the whole chapter for a fuller understanding.

What are the characteristics of those who give cheerfully? They are giving willingly, not dutifully. They see their giving as sacrificial for God and an expression of love for Him. Then they can trust in God’s provision with an expectation of spiritual blessings: “One who is generous will be blessed, because he gives some of his food to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9 NASB).

Cultivating Cheerful Charity
How do we cultivate a generous heart since it does not come naturally to many of us? At the root of generosity is a deeply grateful heart. While we usually see ourselves as owners of our bank accounts (and other goods), we’re just stewards; God is the owner. Remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30? An owner gave talents (money) to his servants to steward until he returned. The same principle applies to us, and when we realize that we don’t own anything, we find it much easier to open our hands generously: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17 ESV).

But what if you’re afraid, like I am, that one bill or another will bounce right out of your bank account if you give to God first? He has always met every one of my needs (not to be confused with wants), and He will meet your needs too. As you learn to give to God, your level of trust will grow.

Remember, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21 ESV). In this way, you will also experience God’s provision on earth.

As we ingrain these spiritual truths into our minds, we will develop a spirit of contentment, which means being satisfied with what we already have. Being content with a good-enough house and a good-enough car will leave you with money not only to give tithes but also to go above and beyond with other offerings.

Practical Steps to Cheerful Giving
How do you just start giving to a ministry or a church? You budget for the mortgage, the electric bill, and your cell phone, so just add regular tithing to your budget.

Be intentional about how you are giving (and budgeting), and seek to deliberately be happy when writing your check to put in the offering plate. The feeling will become more natural over time.

Beyond the basic 10% tithe, though, is another level of giving (and spiritual blessings): special projects, other ministries, and missions. As you become more aware of the needs around you, you will become eager to see how much more you can give.

Remember that giving cheerfully is a heart attitude that stems from gratitude that can be cultivated. Our purpose here is to encourage you to embrace a lifestyle of joyful generosity.

What step are you going to take today toward becoming a cheerful giver?