The Lord desires that His children be givers and bless others. Not out of guilt or coercion but out of a willing, joyful and purposed heart. Scripture states that when we liberally bless others out of a pure heart full of God’s love, abundant blessings will return to us in the same measure we give out. On the other hand, we are told that if we scarcely bless others because of reluctance, unwillingness, or selfishness, we will scarcely reap a blessing. It is a spiritual law: we will reap what we sow! Often when we consider blessing others, we think of helping them financially, and of course this type of giving can be a blessing. Yet the truth is that we don’t need money or material goods for God to use us to bless others. The Lord takes pleasure when His children cheerfully give themselves to others: listening, praying, encouraging, caring, loving, accepting, understanding, appreciating, esteeming, visiting, being kind, volunteering, or any random act of kindness. God is very creative and will give us various opportunities and ideas on how to bless others. Then, sooner or later, the measure in which we give to others will come back and bless us. Always remember that God takes pleasure in a cheerful giver whose heart is in his giving!

“[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. Let each one [give] give as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves [He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or do without] a cheerful [joyous, “prompt to do it”] giver [whose heart is in his giving]” (2Corinthians 9:6-7).