Cheerful Charity

When the church asks for donations - do you grieve over losing that money or is your heart happy because you know you are doing a good thing?  Sometimes we go through the motions and donate this or that for a good cause because it is simply something we're supposed to do.  However, I'm hoping you've also had that moment when you donate to a charity or fill a shoebox for a child half way across the world and as you walk away you have a smile on your face and a tune in your heart.

Deuteronomy 15:10 - You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.

First of all, the "him" in this passage is the poor (if you don't believe me, pull out your Bible and check out Deut. 15:7-10).  :)  

"...your heart shall not be grieved..."  What do you think the opposite of grieve is?  Joy?  Cheer?  Happiness?  Any and all of the above?  If you really think about it, "Here is a command to give cheerfully" (Henry).  You see, "thou shalt give, not only with an open hand, but with a willing and cheerful mind, without which thy very charity is uncharitable and not accepted by God" (Wesley).  

But why?  God doesn't say "Cheerfully give to the poor because I said so" or "because they need it," but rather "...because...the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings..."  He tells us to give generously and cheerfully for our own benefit - "Giving cheerfully in charity will enrich us, it will fill the barn with plenty (Prov 3:10) and the soul with true comfort" (Henry).

Today I challenge you to find a charity of your choice and donate what you can.  It doesn't have to be $500, it can be $5 or even some change.  But when you give, make sure you do so with joy in your heart!  You will be blessed, God has promised.