The joy of giving

The joy of giving

The people rejoiced in their freewill offerings, for with a willing heart they made them to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly. (1Chronicles 29:9)

We find in this verse a beautiful attitude of how to present our offerings to the Lord, who provides for all our needs. In this attitude of gratitude, as Israel shows us here, joy and love are expressed, without regret or hesitation. It was with a willing heart that Israel offered them to the Lord in obedience to this Word. There is more happiness in giving than in receiving. (Acts 20:35)

The offering is voluntary, a sacrifice of thanksgiving, in gratitude to God for his immense goodness. The giver is full of joy. The offering must therefore never be a burden, and must not be made under duress, otherwise it will lose its meaning and become useless. Know this also: he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly; he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully; (2Corinthians 9:6) and it is to God that the offering is made; it is He who receives and blesses every rich bounty. (Deuteronomy 16:16b)

P. Clémentine