The Joy of Giving

Have you ever watched a child give a gift? There's something magical about it. They don't worry about the cost or the practicality; they just want to see the smile on the recipient's face.

For Mother’s Day, I always take the kids to buy presents for their mom. We find an area where I know She’s going to actually use and/or like what the kids get her. They are given a price they can spend up to and I cut them loose. Sometimes, they pick their gifts out quickly, but sometimes they really think through it. When Mother’s Day finally arrives, they get to give my wife her gifts. Without fail, they both get so excited that they begin to jump up and down as she’s opening her presents. There’s even a giddy laughter. They stare intently, looking for her to smile and say she loves it. Then it’s just pure happiness for them.
That's the kind of joy God wants us to experience when we give.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "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." The Greek word for "cheerful" here is “hilaros," (ἱλαρός) which is where we get the word "hilarious." Imagine being so excited to give that you find yourself almost laughing. This is what my kids do. They’re so excited they can help but laugh. That's the kind of attitude God desires.

God is generous, and He gives us the ultimate example of giving. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." God's giving was motivated by one thing, love, and He made that love come to us in flesh and blood.
 
So how do we make our love for Christ put skin on bones and be a living example of it? One way is through our giving.

When I was in the earlier years of the Church Plant I helped start, Catalyst, I would occasionally receive anonymous cards with $20 in them. No note. No return address. Just a card and some money. This happened a few times, and it always seemed to come at just the right time. Years later, I was talking to my wife, and she fessed up to being that person. We weren’t dating at the time. We were friends, and she knew things were tight. This brought her joy knowing she could help me out, but she didn’t want recognition for it. She gave out of her love for Christ and His Church.
 
In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds us of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This isn't just a nice saying; it's a profound truth. When we give, we participate in God's work and experience the blessing of being His hands and feet in the world, whether it’s to our local church, an international mission, the local food or clothing pantry, or to a friend in need.
 
As disciples of Christ, our giving should reflect His love and generosity. When we are following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and are committed to the mission of Jesus, giving is just natural, and we love doing it. It’s not about the amount; it's about the heart. When we give joyfully, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His kingdom.

Think about the last time you gave something—whether it was money, time, or a kind word. How did it make you feel? Did you experience joy? If not, maybe it's time to ask God to help you rediscover the joy of giving.