Giving From the Heart

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2Co 9:7 NIV 
 

What is a cheerful giver?  A cheerful giver is not dependent on the gift itself or the size of the gift.  In fact the gift decision is made entirely in your own heart.  Ah, your heart.  Once again, as the Lord said to the prophet Samuel as he looked at Jesse’s sons in finding God’s chosen King to replace Saul, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”   In other words, it’s not what you give, but how you give.  What is the attitude of your heart when giving a gift?  Let it be an attitude of thanks, of compassion, of love for God and your fellow man.