A Cheerful Giver

And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 

Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4.32-37, NASB used throughout). 

William Barclay tells the story of a man named Basil Oliver. Mr. Oliver lived and worked in the YMCA in London, England. He passed away at the age of eighty-five. He worked for the Y doing small jobs. He would clean, go for stamps, make and serve tea and coffee, and willingly do anything else asked of him. 

When he passed away, his death was prominently spoken of in the papers and in the monthly magazine published by the YMCA. Everyone loved and respected Mr. Oliver. It was only after his death that even the leaders of the Y began to realize how much work he did for them. 

Barclay made three important observations about this man: He was exceedingly happy, supremely useful, and exceptionally kind. 

Mr. Oliver had found both joy for himself and love from others by simply doing the little things that came into his hands in the place where life had sent him. 

Where do you find your highest joy? What do you do to overcome despair and depression? Where do you find meaning and purpose in your life? 

Some of us might answer we find our joy in what we eat or how we feel. Others would say they find their joy in their faith, through their family, or through what they do for others. 

Christ tells us the highest and most rewarding joy comes in a life devoted to unselfish giving. 

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” Jesus would tell us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). 

One of the first, and possibly the hardest, lessons we learn as a new Christian is to be generous. To be a generous giver shows maturity in our Christian life. 

How are you doing as a generous giver? Here are a few things to remind us of how important it is to be an unselfish giver. 

Remember that the Lord loves a cheerful giver.

Giving people are happy people. I have never met a happy miser. People who are greedy are not very joyous people. 

Christians should be generous givers. We should be looking for ways we can share what God has given us. Jesus told us to not worry about our earthly treasure but to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Let me ask you: how much is in your heavenly bank account? 

A generous giver is a channel through which God works.

God meets the needs of His kingdom through His people. 

Some find “cheerful giving” hard to learn. When they hear sermons or lessons on giving, when someone challenges them to give, their reply may be, “Are you trying to trick me into giving?” 

The answer to that is, “No.” We want you to know the joy in giving. We want you to have the joy we have, that comes from having an open heart and an open wallet. The joy and fulfillment that comes from giving must be experienced to be believed. 

If you want to know the joy that giving brings, start with what you can easily give. Jesus lets us know that even the smallest gift given in His name is powerful. He said, “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). 

Find security in God for He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with what is good (Psalm 107:9). If you want to be a generous and cheerful giver, then first feel secure in God. Believe He will do what He says He will do. Many will say, “I believe God will bless me if I give.” Okay, you believe but do you trust Him? Are you willing to let go of some of the things God has blessed you with? 

Remember you are a channel through which God helps those in need. You are the way God keeps His kingdom going. 

Look and acknowledge yourself as a recipient of God’s gifts. He has made it possible for you to work. He has given you a home to live in, a family to love, a church family that encourages you. God has given to you. You need to give to Him. 

We need to remember that when we help the Kingdom through our giving, we are investing in a work that has eternal significance. 

If you really want joy, if you really want fulfillment, if you really want the blessings of God, start today and become a generous giver. 

God bless you. See you next month. 

Tony Sullivan is the Evangelist with the Lester Road Christian Church in Fairburn, GA. He is also an associate evangelist with the CRA.