I think it’s safe to say that we all understand the sentiment around giving. But do we regularly think about generosity or examine our willingness to give?  What gets in the way? What gets overlooked? Even as someone who loves gifting, I need to keep coming back to this. Back to the heart of gifting well.

That’s why I’m grateful for the perspective my pastor gave during a Sunday service at my church a few weeks ago. The sermon focused on Bible verses taken from 2 Corinthians that speak to the spirit from which we should give.

He summed it up beautifully: “When God is your treasure, giving becomes your joy.”

I love that! Going a bit deeper, my pastor referenced one of the Apostle Paul’s letters to the Christian Church in Corinth, and he preached on how to give. After listening to the sermon and reflecting on the topic, I have a few takeaways of my own. 

I’ll start with two Bible verses that capture the heart of gifting well, then share my sermon notes and personal takeaways. I know I’ll want to return to this again and again as I try my best to gift thoughtfully, and it will be here anytime you need a gentle reminder.

A quick note: I wrote this post not as an authority by any means, but as someone continuing to learn, reflect, and share. I hope you will take whatever speaks to your heart or accept this as an invitation to explore further.

the heart of gifting well

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (English Standard Version)

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Here’s what stood out to me:

“….has decided in his heart”

“….God loves a cheerful giver”

“….make all grace abound to you”

Let’s dive in.

the heart of gifting well

Takeaway #1: Gift With Intention

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Decide in advance how and what to give. It’s not to be rushed. To do so thoughtfully requires the desire and willingness to notice. Pay attention to a person’s preferences, moments in their life, big and small, and remember key dates and milestones. This will make deciding what to gift much easier and give you margin to gift from the heart.

the heart of gifting well

Takeaway #2: Gift With Joy

“….not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Remove any hidden resentment or guilt. You simply cannot gift well from that place. Gifting well (and thoughtfully) is a genuine act and joyful experience. It’s a happy exercise, one that fills you up as you pour into others. Plus, “God loves a cheerful giver!” We can start and end right there. ‘Nough said!

the heart of gifting well

Takeaway #3: Gift with Love

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Be a conduit of God’s generosity. The inexpressible gift of His unconditional love. As recipients of God’s grace and love, we have everything we need and are fully equipped to continuously bless others. Here’s what verse 11 says: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” As God’s children, we can always tap into that love valve and selflessly gift well.

the heart of gifting well

Something To Remember

Intention. Joy. Love.

Thoughtful gifting thrives under these conditions.