When I
reminded my friend that his 39th birthday was just around the corner, he
declared that he didn’t want any presents. Yeah, right, I thought, and I
continued to press him for gift ideas. That’s when he told me he wanted to give
away the money we would have spent on his birthday.
The Bible
calls us to give willingly—not grudgingly or of necessity—to support God’s work
and to help people (2 Cor. 9:7). This
kind of freewill giving often results in joy for the giver. When King David
donated his personal stash of gold and silver to help build the temple, many
Israelite officials followed his example. After they contributed bronze, iron,
gemstones, and precious metal, “the people rejoiced, for they had offered
willingly” (1 Chron. 29:9).
As part
of the celebration, David praised God, saying, “Of Your own we have given You”
(v.14). His point was that God owns everything. Remembering this allows us to
give eagerly, because we are just returning our resources to their rightful
owner—God Himself.
The next
time you contribute cash, services, or belongings to support the cause of
Christ, examine your attitude. Are you giving freely and willingly? God loves a
cheerful giver.
How we
give is more important than how much we give. (RBC)
