God's Love for Cheerful Givers in 2 Corinthians 9
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, instructs believers regarding financial contributions, stating, "Each one as he purposes in his heart, not out of grief or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver" (LITV) [2]. This verse encapsulates Paul's teaching on the spirit of giving within the Corinthian church.
Chapter 9 of 2 Corinthians continues Paul's discussion from chapter 8 concerning a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem [6, 10]. Paul had previously boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians' readiness to contribute, and he sends delegates ahead of his own arrival to ensure the collection is prepared, preventing any potential shame for himself or the Corinthians [8, 11]. The broader context emphasizes that this giving is an act of grace and love, not merely an obligation [11].
The key phrase "cheerful giver" translates the Greek word hilaros, from which the English word "hilarious" is derived, suggesting a joyful and willing disposition [5]. Paul contrasts this cheerfulness with giving "grudgingly, or under compulsion" [1]. Giving "out of grief" (LITV) or "reluctantly" implies a sorrowful or regretful attitude, while giving "out of necessity" or "under compulsion" suggests external pressure rather than internal willingness [2, 5]. The emphasis is on the spirit of the giver, not just the act of giving itself [5].
Paul's instruction here is that each individual should decide in their heart how much to give [1, 2]. This deliberate and intentional giving is to be done freely and bountifully [6]. The motivation for such giving is rooted in God's character; He loves those who give with joy [1, 2]. This divine affection for the cheerful giver serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to embrace generosity [6].
The principle of God rewarding generosity is further supported by Paul's subsequent quotation of Psalm 112:9 in 2 Corinthians 9:9, which states, "He has dispersed, he has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever" [3, 7, 9]. This connection highlights that God, who provides for all human needs, will also bless those who are generous [7]. The administration of this service not only relieves the poor but also leads them to glorify God for His grace [4].
Sources
- 2 Corinthians “Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9:7”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 9:7 (LITV) — Each one as he purposes in his heart, not out of grief or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. Prov. 22:8”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: 2Cor.9.9 → Ps.112.9 (confidence: 49 votes)”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 9:12: For the administration of this service - The poor are relieved, see the hand of God in this relief, and give God the glory of his grace.”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 9:7: 9:7 It is the spirit of giving that counts, “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” Cheerfulness in giving is contrasted with giving reluctantly (literally out of sorrow) or in response to pressure.”
- 2 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 9 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle seems to excuse his earnestness in pressing the Corinthians to the duty of charity (Co2 9:1-5), and proceeds to give directions about the acceptable way and manner of performing it, namely, bountifully, deliberately, and freely; and gives good encouragement for so doing (Co2 9:6 to the end).”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 9:8: 9:8-9 As the Scriptures say: The quotation from Ps 112:9 supports the assurance that God, who provides for all human needs, will reward generosity.”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 9 (introduction): St. Paul intimates that so ready were the Corinthians to make this charitable contribution, that it was scarcely necessary for him to write, Co2 9:1, Co2 9:2. But lest they should not be ready when he came, he had sent the brethren, Titus, etc., beforehand; lest, if any of the Macedonians should come with him, they should find them not prepared, though he had boasted so much of their ready mind, Co2 9:3-5. He gives them directions how they shall contribute; and the advantage to be gained by it, in the fulfillment of the promises of God, Co2 9:6-11”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 112:9: 112:9 Paul quotes this verse in his instructions about generous giving (2 Cor 9:9).”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS 9 The apostle proceeds in this chapter upon the same subject, the making a collection for the poor saints; gives the reason why he sent the brethren to them on this account; directs to the manner in which this service should be performed, and subjoins some fresh arguments to encourage them to it. As for the ministration itself, he suggests, it might seem needless to say any more about it, since he had said so much already in the preceding chapter, Co2 9:1 and especially seeing they were so forward to it, and were even”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 9:1: 9:1-5 Two motives reinforce the spirit of love in giving: (1) to emulate the Macedonians, who in their poverty had been forthcoming in their generosity (9:2); and (2) not to shame Paul or themselves, since he had boasted about the Corinthians’ generosity to the Macedonians (9:3-5). To ensure the timely gathering of the collection at Corinth, Paul would send the delegates (8:16-24) in advance to make sure the gift you promised is ready.”