Theme: Be A Cheerful Giver
“Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). In today’s first reading the apostle Paul tells us that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver. In the gospel reading the Master taught us how to pray and he gave us the Our Father prayer. À life of constant union with Christ is essential to be a cheerful giver. The more we spend quality time on our knees the more we are more likely to be cheerful givers. The Lord taught also about the three pillars of a life of devotion, namely, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. He taught us how to carry out these activities without attracting attention to ourselves. As a matter of necessity we should be cheerful in these activities of praying, fasting and almsgiving. Let us become men and women of cheerful devotion. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should be cheerful givers and how to become cheerful givers.
Why We Should Be Cheerful Givers
First, it is the will of God that we should be cheerful givers. It has a scriptural foundation in the writing of the apostle Paul. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. St. Paul reminds us that giving must be voluntary and joyful, not forced. It reflects the kind of self-giving love that God shows us.
Second, we should give cheerfully because it is a powerful means of imitating Christ’s generosity. The Lord gave Himself totally, out of love and not compulsion: “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). As Christians, we are called to imitate Christ by giving generously to others, especially the poor, without expecting anything in return.
Third, the Catechism teaches that acts of generosity are works of mercy and expressions of love: “The works of mercy are charitable actions… giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity” (CCC # 2447). According to the Catechism, “Love for the poor is incompatible with immoderate love of riches or their selfish use” (CCC # 2445). This emphasizes that giving cheerfully is part of our Christian duty to love others, particularly the poor and needy.
Fourth, there are spiritual benefits for being a cheerful giver. Giving cheerfully is also a path to spiritual growth and blessing. The scripture has this to say, “Give, and it will be given to you… For the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Luke 6:38).
The Lord rewards generosity, not only materially, but with peace, joy, and grace.
Fifth, we should give cheerfully because this was part of the practice of the early Christians. In the Acts of the Apostles, early Christians shared all things in common and gave freely. “There was not a needy person among them… as any had need” (Acts 4:34–35). This shows that cheerful giving was part of the identity of the early Church. We should therefore follow in the footsteps of the early brethren.
How Do We Practice Cheerful Giving?
First, give from the heart, not out of compulsion. The scripture tells us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). We practice cheerful giving by making a personal, prayerful decision to give, not because we are forced, but because we desire to share the blessings God has given us.
Second, we should recognize that all we have comes from God. The scripture has this to say, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor. 4:7). Acknowledging that everything is a gift from God helps us give more freely and joyfully. When we see ourselves as stewards, not owners, it becomes easier to share. We are mere channels of God’s grace.
Third, we should give as a form of worship. The scripture tells us, “Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce” (Prov. 3:9). In the Catholic Mass, the offertory is a moment where we unite our gifts with Christ’s sacrifice. Giving becomes an act of worship and thanksgiving.
Fourth, we should prioritize giving to the poor and needy. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me” (Matt.25:40). The Master told us,
“Give to the one who begs from you” (Matt. 5:42). According to the Catechism, cheerful giving is practiced by helping the poor, supporting charitable works, and engaging in acts of mercy (CCC # 2447).
Fifth, we should make sacrificial offerings. “She out of her poverty has put in everything she had” (Mk. 12:44). The widow’s offering teaches us that the value of a gift lies not in its amount but in the sacrifice and love with which it is given.
Sixth, we should share our talents and time. Giving cheerfully is not just about money. The Church encourages giving your time in service, your talents in ministry, and your presence in community life. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). There are some people who are very committed to the growth of the Church through their giving of time in the house of God. Every one should generously give whatever gifts you have received from the Lord. These are some of the ways we can give cheerfully.
Prayers
Lord, help us to be generous in all our dealings. Lord, fill our hearts with your love and goodness. Lord, give us the grace of understanding and wisdom. Lord, help us to show kindness to the poor and needy. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a lovely day.
With lots of prayers and love.
Amen thank you fr for the reflections teachings and prayers on this theme today. God bless you.
AMEN