The Secret of Cheerful Giving
Susan Boyle became a worldwide sensation after singing “I Dreamed a Dream” on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Her powerful performance not only brought her through the audition but also to the final round of the competition, where she finished as the runner-up. Since then, Boyle has sold 25 million albums and written a book. Despite her rise to fame, Boyle was well known for her not so “flashy” lifestyle, choosing to live in her old council house. One time, she cleaned out her wardrobe and gave her old clothes to charity, only to regret it and repurchase them days later for $400.
Only a few can relate to Boyle’s journey to stardom, but many can relate to her post-giving regret. Like Boyle, we might have regretted what we have given. We might have regretted having given anything at all. We might even have tried to get back what we have given. People may speak of the joy of giving, but having experienced the regret of giving, we become reluctant to give. We also know that giving is costly, so we do not like feeling pressured to give, especially when we are not ready to bear the cost. Thankfully, the Bible never encourage us to give in these circumstances. If anything, Biblical giving is not done reluctantly, nor under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). But how can one be a cheerful giver?
Cheerful giving is a fruit of a decided heart. Any shred of reluctance will inevitably rob the joy. Any hint of compulsion will eventually bring regret. Research has found that, on average, 50% of people who decide to sign up for a charity after being persuaded by a street or telemarketing fundraiser cancel their monthly donation within the first 12 months. Giving under compulsion might make our heart feel good for a moment, but it will not be long before selfishness resurfaces, bringing regret with it. After all, our heart is great at clouding us with momentary feel-good sensations and a sense of altruism, turning us into prideful givers. It is also capable of turning us into deceitful givers, ones whose giving seems selfless but is actually self-seeking (Matt 6:2-4). It could even prevent us from becoming givers at all, telling us to be true to ourselves, saying alluring things like, “Be selfish. Prioritise yourself.” The Bible says that our heart is deceitful above all things (Jer 17:9), and such a deceitful heart is only capable of producing all kinds of false givers (Mark 7:20-23; Matt 15:19), not the kind that God loves.
It is noteworthy that in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul was speaking to believers in Corinth, who would have been sealed by the Holy Spirit when they believed in Jesus (Eph 1:13). This sealing of the Holy Spirit is a fulfilment of God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26 (c.f. Joel 2:28; Acts 2:1-21), a promise that also involves a spiritual transplantation or a renewal of the heart. Consequently, this renewal of the heart changes the way one decides on what to give, so much so that early Christians were even willing to sell their property and possessions to give to anyone who had need (Acts 2:45; c.f. Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4). We might find this kind of giving hilarious, but a hilarious giver is actually the kind of giver that God loves. The Greek word rendered “cheerful” in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is ἱλαρός (hilaros), the etymological origin of the English word “hilarious”. Hilarious rightly describes the kind of people who decidedly give away their treasures. Their lavish and unworldly generosity lifts others’ spirits, unleashes unrestrained joy, and sparks heavenly laughter, for they have rightly estimated their treasures on earth, seeing them as nothing in light of Christ. Cheerful also aptly describes them, for after they have given, their hearts are not filled with post-giving regret, but great joy (Acts 2:46, NLT).
“All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”
Truth be told, without having encountered Christ, no one can be a cheerful giver. Christ is the treasure that surpasses all earthly treasures, and it is our encounter with him that changes the way we see and manage our earthly resources (Matt 13:44-46; Phil 3:8), enabling us to give cheerfully. We cheerfully give our physical treasures because in Christ, we have become spiritually rich (2 Cor 8:9). We cheerfully give our limited time on earth because in Christ, we have eternity waiting for us (John 3:16; 1 John 2:17). We cheerfully give without holding back because in Christ, our future in this passing world is safe and secure (c.f. Prov 21:26, ESV; Ps 112:9). Above all, we know that God is able to bless us abundantly, not only in eternity, but also in this passing world (2 Cor 9:8). We also know that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:31-39). In Christ, we already have everything we need to be cheerful givers.
Respond by Praying
Lord, help me to be the kind of giver You love. Help me remember how you have graciously given Jesus to me, and that He is my treasure that surpasses any earthly treasure I may have. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me so that I may be decided and cheerful in my giving. Help me remember that in Christ I am safe and secure forever and ever. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Respond by Acting
Spend some time reflecting on how you see and manage your earthly resources. Have you been generous with your wealth, time and energy?
Prayerfully consider how you can give, not reluctantly, nor under compulsion, especially to the family of believers who are in need (Gal 6:10; 1 John 3:17). Consider also how you may partner with gospel workers through your giving (Phil 1:3-5; 4:15-19). Gospel workers may include churches and their pastors, missionaries, Bible translators, chaplains, youth workers and more.
Related Sermon
Respond by Singing: Christ Is Enough (Hillsong Worship)
Christ is my reward
And all of my devotion
Now there is nothing in this world
That could ever satisfy…