2 corinthians 9:7 - Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
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What does "2 corinthians 9:7" mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 9:7, is about the proper attitude and motivation behind giving, specifically in the context of donating to support the needs of others (often Christians in need in this chapter). Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart..." This emphasizes personal, thoughtful decision-making. Giving should not be a knee-jerk reaction or based on external pressure. It should be a result of individual reflection and a deliberate choice.
"...not grudgingly..." This means the giving shouldn't be accompanied by resentment, regret, or a feeling of being forced. Giving with resentment negates the positive impact of the gift; it's not truly selfless.
"...or under compulsion..." This stresses that giving should be voluntary, not coerced or pressured by others. God doesn't want donations that are extracted through guilt or obligation.
"...for God loves a cheerful giver." This is the core principle. The Greek word for "cheerful" is hilaros, from which we get the English word "hilarious." It means joyful, willing, and eager. God values the spirit in which the giving is done more than the amount given. A joyful, generous spirit reflects a heart aligned with God's love and compassion.
In essence, the verse is saying that giving should be:
Personal: A matter of individual decision.
Voluntary: Not forced by external pressure or guilt.
Joyful: Done with a cheerful and willing heart.
The underlying principle is that giving is an act of worship and love. The attitude behind the giving is just as important as the gift itself. God desires hearts that are generous and happy to share what they have, rather than reluctantly giving out of obligation or guilt. The verse encourages a generous and joyful spirit in all aspects of giving, not just financial donations. It highlights that the motivation behind the act is what matters most to God.
2 corinthians 9:7 - Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
What does "2 corinthians 9:7" mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 9:7, is about the proper attitude and motivation behind giving, specifically in the context of donating to support the needs of others (often Christians in need in this chapter). Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart..." This emphasizes personal, thoughtful decision-making. Giving should not be a knee-jerk reaction or based on external pressure. It should be a result of individual reflection and a deliberate choice.
"...not grudgingly..." This means the giving shouldn't be accompanied by resentment, regret, or a feeling of being forced. Giving with resentment negates the positive impact of the gift; it's not truly selfless.
"...or under compulsion..." This stresses that giving should be voluntary, not coerced or pressured by others. God doesn't want donations that are extracted through guilt or obligation.
"...for God loves a cheerful giver." This is the core principle. The Greek word for "cheerful" is hilaros, from which we get the English word "hilarious." It means joyful, willing, and eager. God values the spirit in which the giving is done more than the amount given. A joyful, generous spirit reflects a heart aligned with God's love and compassion.
In essence, the verse is saying that giving should be:
Personal: A matter of individual decision.
Voluntary: Not forced by external pressure or guilt.
Joyful: Done with a cheerful and willing heart.
The underlying principle is that giving is an act of worship and love. The attitude behind the giving is just as important as the gift itself. God desires hearts that are generous and happy to share what they have, rather than reluctantly giving out of obligation or guilt. The verse encourages a generous and joyful spirit in all aspects of giving, not just financial donations. It highlights that the motivation behind the act is what matters most to God.