Beyond giving cheerfully

Like many Ministers, Mrs. Pastors included, I have quoted this verse to buttress the need for us to always give cheerfully:

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”*  

Recently, as I was preparing for the next post on my Mrs. Pastor Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DearMrsPastor), the word "Generous" was continuously impressed on my heart though I wanted to write on "Gracious" - which is a very important quality as we consider the "A-Z of Mrs. Pastor." I surrendered and as the Holy Spirit expounded the word using the Word, it expanded beyond a 5-sentence piece to a full fledged post - so I'll link both.

As we see above, God indeed loves a cheerful giver but requires more than that...as the next verse says:

"And God will generously provide all you need. 

Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."**

Yes without a doubt, God loves cheerful givers and definitely blesses generous givers.
In fact, God says the same thing in other parts of His Word and I'll dig into the generosity.

Proverbs 11:24-25 - ²⁴ Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. ²⁵ The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (NLT)

2 Corinthians 8:7 - You do everything better than anyone else. You have stronger faith. You speak better and know more. You are eager to give, and you love us better. Now you must give more generously than anyone else. (CEV)

Luke 6:38 - If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return.

It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap.

The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.

When I think of being generous, it goes beyond money. We also need to be generous in our love which includes being willing to advice*** and/or admonish people as and when required. But always be kind, not judgmental, knowing that the way you treat others is the way you will be treated. As we continue in this 5th month, may your generosity be filled with grace.

 Sources:
* 2 Corinthians 9:7 ~ NLT
** 2 Corinthians 9:8 ~ NLT
*** Prov 31:26 - Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. (CEV)