Paul was gathering a gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. He was more concerned with
the heart from which people gave, though, than with the amount collected. “God loves
a cheerful giver” was not just an upbeat slogan. It was a serious call to check why they
gave—“do not give reluctantly or under compulsion,” he said. Give generously!

• What influences and ways of thinking most strengthen your generous tendencies? What influences and fears pull you away from generosity? How can you reinforce generosity in your heart and your life? How have you found your life is better when you are generous?
• Have you ever found yourself giving reluctantly or under compulsion? How did that experience affect you? What do you think were Paul’s reasons for valuing cheerful hearts and willing spirits even over the positives of collecting a larger offering? Do you agree with him