God loveth a cheerful giver!

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

I read this scripture and it really struck me. God loves those who give of their time, goods and talents and He REALLY loves those that give cheerfully. One way that we can see this is from all of the blessings and tender mercies that we receive each day. I'm not saying that the only way to get blessings is to give, but it certainly can't hurt to follow His commandments. It says in the Bible that we're supposed to be cheerful when we give, that carries some weight with me.

What does giving do for you? It's a valid question.

Here is what I think it does. Something is changed in you when you give to others. I know I feel it every time I give. I also can see it on others. I think that it makes you more attractive, and I don’t mean physically attractive, although cheerful people usually smile more and that's beautiful. 

Let's talk hypothetical. Say you have the opportunity to buy sandwiches at two sandwich shops. Subs R Us has a jerk working the counter. She makes you feel that you're inconveniencing her just to be in her store. She's angry and she resents your purchase. Over at Subs 4 U the sandwich master is an absolute angel and remembers your name every time you walk in there. He remembers your order from the last time you were there. So tell me, who are you going to buy sandwiches from? The sandwiches are the same. But you might even pay more for them from the guy who remembers your name and your order and smiles. As a matter of fact, on average, you will.

Over time, because of your giving you’re going to end up having the potential to make more money than you would any other way. It's this weird thing that the more you focus on helping people and giving them what they need, you are more successful. You will usually find that as you start making more money, you'll find it’s easier and easier to give, and as you give, you’re going to make more and more money because you’re going to be more and more generous. 

One thing that I have found about generous people they aren't uptight and freaked out and worried about everything. The weird thing is that it actually changes the chemicals in your body. When you’re generous, it releases endorphins, proteins and DHEA. You are happier, and you’re more fulfilled and have a sense of winning you haven’t had before. The contrary is when you’re all stressed out and selfish, cortisol is released, which is the self-produced stress drug. It causes anxiety. There’s a chemistry difference. Isn't that weird? It’s not really that mystical that generous people do better. It’s kind of common sensical.

The point is giving changes you, and that’s really why God teaches people of faith to give. It’s not because he needs your money. He’s God, He doesn’t need money. It’s His. Giving causes success and God loves a cheerful giver!

Citations:
http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/12/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/