Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.” (2Corinthians 9:7-9 NAS)
Cheerful giving is so benign. Most people interpret cheerful giving to mean, “give with a smile” or even “give joyfully.” But the Apostle’s meaning is “God loves a giver who gives in hilarious abandon.” In order to truly comprehend this, we must go to the Scripture cited by Paul as proof of the hilarious donor’s divine blessings.
Paul’s reference is Psalm 112:9, yet it must be understood in the proper context set forth by the Psalmist. Those who fear, reverence and respect God are blessed people. Their families will be strong and blessed. They will enjoy enduring righteousness and material wealth.
God-fearing, reverent and respectful people enjoy light (revelation and understanding). They have compassionate attitudes and a righteous spirit. They are wise and discreet in life issues. In addition, they are gracious and generous to a fault. They are embedded in God’s memory and favor. The God-fearing person’s economic foundation is never shaken.
They have abandoned fear of “bad news” because they trust the Lord. They have abandoned fear of the enemy because they know he is already defeated. Like a farmer scattering seed across a field, they have dispersed their gifts to the poor and needy. Their righteousness endures. Their families grow and multiply. The wicked observe their blessings and are grieved. The enemy grits his teeth and slinks away because his intention to steal, kill and destroy is defeated.
These are the blessings of those whose “heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” The blessings to them flow out of God. God issues the blessings because they have abandoned themselves to him. We cannot fake trust in God. So then, for those who have abandoned themselves to God, it is fairly easy to give with hilarious abandon. I do not mean that I have perfected this trait, but I’m pursuing it.
Dear Father, thank you for giving to us in hilarious abandon. Strengthen our trust that we may truly give with hilarious abandon. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and give in hilarious abandon,