God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Introduction -

Two words - money and joy.

Most common way of thinking - Getting money = joy.

Now, we aren’t saying that money is evil, or wanting good things is evil. We all have those things in our hearts that we think will make us happy if we get them - we think our joy will come from them.

I can tell you this is true - because you and I are alike. We all dream of winning the lottery - what would you buy if you won the lottery?

13 YO Kyle - 2003 BMW M3 GTR - 4.0L V8 493HP - 0-60 in 3.2 secs - really cool and really fast - Need For Speed Most Wanted

33 YO Kyle - same.

You all have something like this - its embedded in the culture we live in.

All of us think somehow: more money = more joy.

Money = happiness - Money = joy.

But God wants us to think about those two words differently.

God’s way of thinking for us is:

God is our joy. Money is a tool of worship to Him, through which we get more joy.

This morning - going to one of the most powerful sections of Scripture on Generosity - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

2 Corinthians 9:6–15 CSB

The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Now there’s so much to be said here - and here’s just a little homework - take some time and read this passage again this afternoon (after the Bears win) and let the Lord speak to you through it.

This morning - focus on verse 7 -

2 Corinthians 9:7 CSB

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.

God loves a cheerful giver -