The Gift of Giving 2 Corinthians 9:7 Devotional

In this 2 Corinthians 9:7 devotional, we’ll explore the gift of giving and what we can learn from those closest to us. We’ll see how the Bible teaches us about generosity, how the love of God shapes our giving, and how even the smallest act can be a good thing that blesses both our families and our everyday life at home.

I’ve been shopping for the perfect gift for my dad. While I was shopping, I began to think about all of the things my dad has given me over the years, flowers on my birthday, jewelry for Christmas, and a Bible with a handwritten note inside during a difficult time in my life. That Bible soon became one of my most prized possessions. Not because of the monetary value of the item but because of the sentimental value of that note from my dad. Sometimes when I’m feeling down, I read it and remember how much I’m loved.

Aside from giving me tangible objects, my dad has also given me countless hours of his time. Over the years, he has always been there for me, taking care of me when I was sick, listening to me when I was upset, and always encouraging me to reach for my dreams.

But the most important gift I’ve ever received from my dad is actually a lesson in giving and what it means to give in a way that is pleasing to God. Thinking about all of this made me realize that true generosity goes far beyond material things. It’s a reflection of the heart, and that’s exactly what the Apostle Paul was teaching the Corinthian Christians. Which brings us to an important question…what is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 9:7?

What is the Meaning of 2 Corinthians 9:7?

When we look at 2 Corinthians 9:7 explained in the context of the New Testament, we see that the Apostle Paul was teaching the Corinthian Christians about the true purpose of giving. His words remind us that generosity isn’t about the amount we give but about the attitude of our hearts. The Greek word Paul used for “cheerful” gives us the picture of a joyful, willing heart that delights in giving.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV

The main idea of this verse is that giving should come from our own will, out of a genuine free choice, not because of pressure or obligation. The purpose of the giver is to have a cheerful heart that reflects the love of God. It doesn’t matter how much money we have, what matters is the spirit behind it. A cheerful man or woman gives with joy that flows out of love for our Heavenly Father. This act of giving is really a reflection of God’s own generosity toward us. Paul’s words carry a distinct echo throughout the New Testament, reminding us that God isn’t looking for offerings given out of duty, but for us to give gladly and willingly from our own hearts.

Why Giving Is Called a Gift in the Bible

When we think about Biblical giving, it’s easy to focus on what we’re giving up. But the truth is, God never asks us to give without also reminding us of His promises. He wants us to see that every act of generosity comes from His hand and leads to His blessing in our lives.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

This verse reminds us that we serve a generous God who pours out His grace in overflowing ways. Our giving is really an offering of the heart, not just about material things. When we give with a generous heart and cheerful generosity, it reflects the genuine desire God has placed within us to care for the well-being of others.

God delights in such givers, those who see giving as part of the work of the Lord. Every good deed, no matter the size, becomes a reflection of His over-abounding gift of grace. And when we join this cause of benevolence with a good sense and joy, we realize that giving isn’t a burden, it’s a blessing. Through God’s grace, we learn that generosity isn’t about what we lose, but about how He multiplies our acts of kindness and uses them for His glory.

4 Ways to Be a Cheerful Giver

God loves a cheerful giver! And while that might sound simple, sometimes it takes practice for us to learn what cheerful generosity really looks like. My dad’s spiritual gift is giving, and I’ve been fortunate enough to witness his giving and to learn from it. His example has shown me that Biblical giving comes from a generous heart and an offering of the heart that honors God. Here are a few of the lessons I’ve learned from watching him over the years.

#1 Have a Merry Heart

Pleasing God is more about your attitude than your action. What is in your heart? Are you giving only because you feel that you have to, or are you giving because you truly want to? Giving is not my spiritual gift and my natural inclination is to save money instead of giving it away. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give, and it doesn’t mean that I can give with a bad attitude and still please God. For me, being a cheerful giver is something I’ve had to learn to do, and it has taken practice. Over the years, though, my attitude about giving has changed. I’ve seen the way my dad gives and the blessings that God has given in return. My dad has taught me how to be a cheerful giver and always to have gratitude for what God has blessed me with. His example reminds me of this wisdom we find in the book of Proverbs…

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13 NKJV

All the Bible verses about cheerful giving shine through with this simple truth again and again, God is always concerned with the heart behind our gift. A happy heart full of generosity shows our genuine desire to honor Him with our own heart, not because we have to, but because we want to. And when we give with joy, it lifts us up, and points us toward everything this Old Testament proverb is about. That’s why cheerful generosity matters so deeply in a Christian’s life, it transforms both the giver and the one who receives, reminding us that God blesses the attitude of our heart even more than the act itself.

#2 Give Without Boasting

My dad is the kind of guy who leads by example. He doesn’t talk about it, he just does it. And that is how Jesus instructed us to be in our giving. Not giving openly, seeking attention or praise from other people, but giving quietly and secretly, seeking only the approval of God. What we have to give came from God, and if we give looking for our own glory, then we are taking the glory away from God that’s rightfully His. Our approval should be from Him. He sees what we do privately, and He will reward us for it. The acknowledgment we receive from other people will only last for a short time, but the acknowledgment from God lasts forever.

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
Matthew 6:1-4

When we think about good deeds, Jesus reminds us that such acts are never meant to draw attention to ourselves. Instead, they’re part of much benevolence that comes from the love of Christ working in us. God’s people are called to give in humility, not to be seen by men but to reflect His heart. Such persons who live this way understand that the real reward isn’t found in applause from others, it comes from knowing that our Heavenly Father is pleased with our offering of love.

#3 Give of Yourself

Giving is about more than money. It’s about giving your time, your skills, friendship, compassion, etc. We all have something to give. We just have to be willing to do it. If God could give His Son and if Jesus could die in my place, what can I give in return? And the Holy Bible reminds us that each of us has been given unique gifts to use in serving others…

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

1 Peter 4:10 New Living Translation

The act of giving goes beyond how much money we have. We may not always have material resources to share, but we can still offer our time, a listening ear, or even simple encouragement that lifts someone’s spirit. A kind word or small act of service can be just as valuable as gold, because it shows what’s inside our hearts. Over a long time, these small sacrifices add up, pointing others to the love of Christ and strengthening their faith. When we give of ourselves, we step into God’s purpose for us and become living reminders of His generosity at work in the world.

#4 Be a Blessing

I once heard a pastor say “Blessed people, bless people.” And it’s so true, because the more we have, the more we can give. That’s exactly what Jesus has called us to do, to be a blessing to those around us. So, I have strived over the years to learn how to give and how to be a blessing to the people in my life. My dad has taught me so many life lessons, and I’m grateful for all of them. But the lesson I’ll carry closest to my heart is the gift of giving. His example reminds me of these powerful words from the book of Acts…

It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35

This verse shows us that a generous man isn’t measured by how much he keeps, but by how much he gives away for the good of others. God’s people are called to live with open hands, ready to share good deeds that reflect the heart of Christ. And while giving might feel like a sacrifice at times, it always turns out to be a good thing for both the giver and the receiver. When we live this way, it transforms not only our churches and communities but also our homes, making them a place where love and generosity overflow.

How Jesus Models the Ultimate Gift of Giving

When we think about giving, our minds can easily go to money, time, or good deeds. But before any of that, we have to remember the greatest gift of all… what God has already given us in His Son.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

This is the foundation of the gospel of Christ. Out of His love, our generous God gave us His Only Son, the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the ultimate example of what true generosity looks like. His sacrifice on the cross gave us the precious gift of eternal life. That kind of giving reveals the most powerful motives… love, compassion, and grace poured out without limit.

And Paul reminds us again of this truth in his letter to the Corinthians…

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV

Some translations call this an unspeakable gift, because human words fall short of describing the lavish and all-encompassing gift of grace we’ve received through Christ Jesus. This greatest gift isn’t something we could ever earn or repay, it comes purely from God’s love for His people. When we give of ourselves, we echo the same love that comes from the very heart of our Heavenly Father. Every act of generosity, whether big or small, points back to Jesus’ name and the grace of the One who gave it all.

How God’s Hand Works Through Our Giving

It’s easy to think we’re the ones making the difference with our giving. But the truth is, every gift we offer becomes part of the greater work of the Lord. Our generous God takes what we place in His hands and uses it far beyond anything we could imagine.

Through God’s grace, even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward in ways we may never see. A word of encouragement, a meal shared, or time spent helping someone in need becomes more than just a simple gesture, it becomes a reflection of His love. In these moments, we see that giving is not just about what we do, but about how God’s hand multiplies our offering to bless others.

And when we step into generosity with open hearts, we begin to notice His fingerprints all over our lives. Every gift, every act of love, is an opportunity to join Him in His work and experience the joy of being used by Him in unimaginable ways.

Practical Ways to Live Out Cheerful Giving Today

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38 NIV

This verse reminds us that the act of giving always brings blessings. It’s not just about money or possessions, but about choosing to put other people first. When we give with love, God takes even the smallest offering and multiplies it in ways we could never imagine. Cheerful giving can show up in everyday life, in our homes, our relationships, our churches, and our communities.

Here are a few simple ways we can live this out…

Share what you have: Pass along clothes, food, or other material goods to someone in need.
Give your time: Use as much time as you can to serve, listen, or simply be present with someone who needs encouragement.
Do good deeds daily: Small acts of kindness, like holding a door open, sending a note, or praying for someone all make a big impact.
Think of the well-being of others: Be intentional and make choices that bless those around you.
Bring generosity into your home life: Serve your family with love, patience, and a willing heart, even when they get on your nerves.

The Lasting Blessing of Giving

In this 2 Corinthians 9:7 Devotional, we’ve seen that cheerful giving isn’t about how much we give, but about allowing the love of God to work through us. My dad’s example taught me that when we give with a heart full of cheer and gratitude, God uses it to bless others and fill us with joy. God delights in a cheerful giver who offers their gifts freely, not out of duty but from love. And when we give this way, it creates better feelings of kindness and mercy, reminding us that generosity is always a reflection of God’s goodness.