Joyful in Gratitude

THANKS AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving—all because God loves hilarious generosity!” (2 Corinthians 9:7 TPT).

There is joy in giving! Something about sharing our blessings with others brings a wonderful sense of satisfaction. When we are thankful for God’s blessings on our lives, gratitude flows from our spirit. One cannot be truly thankful, and not be grateful! 

Similarly, Henry Ward Beecher, 19th-century American preacher said, “You cannot be grateful and unhappy.” Gratitude is an essential attribute to living a fulfilling, virtuous life. Paul emphasized this concept in our text, “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” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV). A true heart of gratitude ignites an attitude of joy when we are able to give and bless someone else. 

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth whose members pledged a generous offering to assist the church in Jerusalem who were suffering from famine and need. He took the occasion to commend their pledges and to address an attitude of gratitude in giving. Perhaps he sensed that some were not pledging with a willing heart and knew they would miss out on the blessing of giving willingly and with a joyful spirit. Giving from a begrudging attitude robs the giver of the happiness that generosity always brings. Paul encouraged them, “Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty.” 

The law of the harvest provides the lesson about gratitude and giving. Paul said, “A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest” (2 Corinthians 9:6 TPT). There will be a return of blessings when we sow generously into the lives of others. The blessing is more than provision or possessions, it is a sense of well-being, mental peace, and joy that comes in return for our shared gifts. During this season let us share joyfully and express gratitude for every blessing!  


Theme passage:
"You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, … it causes many to give thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11 TPT)