A Cheerful Giver

By Betsy Thompson

Director of Women's Ministry

I still remember the Precious Moments cross-stitch that hung in my bathroom throughout my childhood. Stitched into the fabric were the words of 2 Corinthians 9:7:

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

For years, I assumed that meant you had to be laughing, upbeat, and genuinely thrilled every time you gave. If joy wasn’t automatic, I thought I was doing it wrong.

Over time, however, I’ve learned that cheerful giving isn’t about perfect emotions—it’s about choice. It is choosing joy in obedience, even when circumstances are hard, resources feel tight, or gratitude doesn’t come easily.

Cheerfulness is less about how we feel and more about the posture of our hearts toward God. The word cheerful comes from the Greek hilaros, where we get the word hilarious. It conveys willing delight, not forced laughter. A cheerful giver trusts God’s provision and believes generosity reflects God’s own heart.

God Himself is the ultimate cheerful Giver:

• He gave His Son freely (John 3:16).
• He gives wisdom generously (James 1:5).
• He gives grace abundantly (Romans 5:17). 

Something to Pray

Lord, move my heart from mere obedience to joyful obedience. Help my giving reflect gratitude and trust in You, as I release what You have entrusted to me. May my generosity be rooted in joy, knowing I have already received everything in Christ Jesus.

Something to Do

Give generously today with an actual, physical smile. Research shows that smiling can shape our emotional experience in real time. So when you place an envelope in the offering box or click an online giving button, smile—and thank God for His generosity. God loves a cheerful giver!