Two-minute read.
As a giver, nothing makes me happier than to give. My favorite spontaneous moment happened a few years ago when I met a friend for lunch at a cafeteria-style restaurant. A young military couple behind me in line caught my attention, and I felt the prompting to pay for their lunch.
“We just got married!” The beaming bride held up her ring finger as she spoke, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Unbeknownst to me, but not God, I got to treat them to lunch on their first full day of wedded bliss. My heart swelled as the Lord blessed me more than them.
When we give to others, we should do so from the heart, with no expectations of anything in return. Jesus gave without strings attached, and so should we. Checking our heart posture helps us determine whether we should give.
True generosity doesn’t come from impulsive guilt or forced obligation, but from a thoughtful and willing place. We give in response to what God has given us, letting His blessings flow to those around us. The more we grasp the gift Jesus gave us on the cross, the more we will want to share it with others.
The Lord doesn’t want us to give because we feel pressured, because it misses the point. When our giving doesn’t align with the heart, we have the wrong motives. And we will not get the response we expect. Giving with the thought of getting leads to disappointment.
But how God loves a cheerful giver, joyfully and willingly sharing their blessings with a sense of gladness, not loss. Giving from the heart says, “I’m grateful I get to do this.” Just like I felt when I bought the newlyweds a meal.
Our Father values the heart, not just the gift. We should give willingly, not because we feel pressured. Joy comes from heartfelt generosity.
Reflection:
When you give—whether time, help, or resources—does it come from pressure or from joy?
Joy Thought:
Heartfelt generosity breeds joy.
