Read: 2 Corinthians 9

God loves a cheerful giver.
-2 Corinthians 9:7

Author James Duff tells of the time when English
pastor and theologian Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) was
collecting money for foreign missions. One of his
contacts was an old friend. When presented with the
need,
the man said, “Well, Andrew, seeing it’s you, I’ll give
you 6 pounds.”

“No,” said Fuller, “I can’t take your money for my
cause, seeing it is for me,” and he handed the money
back.

The man saw his point. “Andrew, you are right.
Here’s 10 pounds, seeing it is for Jesus Christ.”

Duff concluded, “Let us remember, it is not the amount
we give toward helping the Lord’s work; it is the motive
He looks at.”

Proper motives are essential in Christian service,
whether it’s money or time or talents. The Lord is more
concerned with why we give than with how much we give.
We should never give to receive the praise of others,
but because we love God and desire to see His name
honored and glorified.

The apostle Paul said, “let each one give as he
purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity;
for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

Whenever we give to the work of God, may we honestly
say, “It’s for the Lord!”
-Richard W. De Haan

Give as you would to the Master
If you met His searching look;
Give as you would of your substance
If His hand the offering took. -Anon

GOD SEES THE GIVER AS WELL AS THE GIFT –
THE HEART AS WELL AS THE HAND.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.