2 Corinthians 9:7 “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.”

To most Christians this verse is well known. I have to admit that I NOW see it differently. I have always thought this verse was about giving money but where does it say that? Giving isn’t always about giving money. It can be about giving gifts, time, doing errands for someone, volunteering to help out, care giving, taking care of projects around the house which all have one thing in common… giving of yourself.

You don’t do it to get recognition, paybacks, thank yous or browny points. Matthew 6 :2-4 2“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

What I have recent learned is that when you are giving of yourself or time it needs to be with a “cheerful heart/attitude”. What good does it do for you to TRY to be a blessing to someone if you get mad at them or at their attitude? Next thing you do is mumbling under your breath, becoming sarcastic and irritable and acquiring a bad attitude! So the “Christian” who wants to bless others is easily spotted as the one who now bites other people’s head off, storms off and is anything but what an ambassador of God’s Kingdom here on earth!

“But they are so unthankful and unappreciative.” “They act like everything that I’m doing for them is putting them out.” “I don’t know how much more of this I can take. They yell and complain about everything that I do.” “Even when I drop off some meals for them I don’t get as much as a thank you. Instead they complain that it wasn’t what they wanted.” “If they say just one more negative thing about my work. I’m going to let them have it!” I found myself saying some of these things and even complaining to others about their bad attitudes.

Yes, the non-Christians around you notice EVERYTHING that you do, you say and how you act especially during difficult and trying times. That is your time to shine not to fail! You have in you what others can’t begin to imagine… Jesus! Even when those opportunities seem too hard to handle just remember that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world”. Just ask Jesus to give you the wisdom, guidance, patience and peace to get you through it. It takes God’s love through you for you to get through those times with a smile on your face. For God loves a cheerful giver!