How can we avoid giving "grudgingly" as warned in 2 Corinthians 9:5? Grasp the Context of 2 Corinthians 9:5 “ …so that it would be ready as a gift, not as an extortion.” Paul wants their contribution prepared in advance so it arrives as a willing, grace-filled offering—not something squeezed out of them. The principle: generosity flows from the heart, not from pressure. Settle Your Heart on God’s Unmatched Generosity • Romans 8:32—He “did not spare His own Son.” • 1 Chronicles 29:14—“Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” • Let the cross persuade you that you can never out-give God. When gratitude dominates, grudging attitudes wither. Plan Ahead—Intentional Preparation Prevents Grumbling • 1 Corinthians 16:2—“On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of money in keeping with his income.” • Budget giving first, not last. When it’s already designated, the temptation to clutch it disappears. • Discuss and decide as a family; unity replaces reluctance. Decide Voluntarily, Give Cheerfully • 2 Corinthians 9:7—“Each one should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” • Ask, “What amount lets me feel joy, not resentment?” Start there, then stretch as faith grows. • Refuse manipulation—give because you want to honor Christ, not to impress others. Give in Faith, Not Fear • Malachi 3:10—test God’s faithfulness; He welcomes it. • Luke 6:38—“Give, and it will be given to you… running over.” • Fear of lack fuels grudging giving; trust in God’s provision frees open-handedness. Anchor Giving to Worship, Not Obligation • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth.” • Treat the moment of giving like singing a hymn: an act of adoration. The more worshipful, the less resentful. Keep Your Eyes on the Harvest • 2 Corinthians 9:6—“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly… generously will also reap generously.” • Envision souls reached, needs met, churches strengthened. Seeing fruit transforms duty into delight. Practice Daily Acts of Generosity • Acts 20:35—“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” • Small, frequent gifts—time, encouragement, service—train the heart toward glad liberality, making larger financial giving natural. Guard Against Comparison and Pride • John 21:22—“What is that to you? You follow Me.” • Focus on your own stewardship, not others’ amounts. Comparison breeds either envy or arrogance, both killers of cheerful giving. Pray for a Soft Heart Before You Give • Psalm 51:10—“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” • Ask the Spirit to expose selfish motives and inflame joy. A purified heart won’t cling to money. Expect Multiplication for Kingdom and Joy • Philippians 4:17—Paul sought “the credit that abounds to your account.” • God multiplies both ministry impact and personal spiritual fruit. Anticipation fuels enthusiasm, dissolving grudging feelings. Live these principles and your giving moves from forced to free, from grudging to glad, echoing the lavish grace you’ve received. |
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