We choose if we want to know God

By Naomi Downes

“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.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

It’s hard to watch a child reluctantly obey what you’ve asked them to do. When children don’t want to do something, they make it very obvious! I remember this very battle with my own parents growing up. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them to watch me stomping around my room whilst I tidied up because I viewed it as a waste of time. I think, when it comes to giving as adults, we manage to cover up how we feel, but deep down a reluctant attitude is still present at times. It’s perhaps expressed in a slightly more grounded and mature way but it’s still there.

“The beauty of the Christian faith is that it all comes down to choice.

I think it’s hard for God when we give begrudgingly too. Sadly, that’s what a lot of Christians do. We give our tithe, reluctantly. Maybe we sacrifice an afternoon for someone, reluctantly. Maybe we even go to church, reluctantly. But the beauty of the Christian faith is that it all comes down to choice. God never enforces anything upon us. We choose if we want to know God. We choose if we want to live a life according to God’s righteousness. We choose if we will give to others.

God’s loves it when we give cheerfully because it’s an opportunity to reflect His heart and His character. God doesn’t need us to give of our time or money but He loves it when we do it with the right attitude. If we give under compulsion, then we’ve learnt nothing and we’ve completely missed the point. We closed ourselves off from God before we’ve even started. Giving, should be a simple act of faith that makes us value and appreciate others but also recognise how good God is to us.

Giving cheerfully goes far deeper than a one of act of kindness. It should be an opportunity to reflect the heart of God. We never forget when others have given to us. It’s not something that is easily forgotten. I absolutely love buying presents for friends and family because it’s a way of showing them how valued they are.

Prince of Peace

Everlasting Father

 in Blogs, God
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