II Corinthians 9:7
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Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
according as he purposeth in his heart--Let the full consent of the free will go with the gift [ALFORD]. Opposed to "of necessity," as "grudgingly" is opposed to "a cheerful giver" (Pro 22:9; Pro 11:25; Isa 32:8).
Open source ↗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).
Open source ↗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.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.
A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;
But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.