2 Corinthians 9:7 Commentary

Paul writes to the Corinthians about their collection for poor saints in Jerusalem. He sets the inner standard: every giver should give what he has purposed in his heart — not from sour reluctance, not from compulsion, but cheerfully. The Lord values the heart of the giver more than the amount.

Paul was organizing a relief offering across Gentile churches for the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. The Corinthians had begun and then stalled. Paul calls them to follow through with the right motive. Giving in the New Covenant moves from temple tax to free-will generosity.

'Purposeth in his heart' (prohaireitai te kardia) — decides in advance, deliberates. 'Grudgingly' (ek lupes) — out of grief. 'Necessity' (ex anangkes) — out of compulsion. 'Cheerful' (hilaron) — joyful, hilarious (English borrows the word). God loves the kind of giver whose joy in giving overflows.

Generosity is heart-work, not law-work. The New Testament gives no rigid tithe formula but raises the standard: cheerful, purposeful, sacrificial. Giving reveals the heart's grip on Christ. The Lord loves cheerful givers because cheerful giving mirrors His own giving — He spared not His own Son (Romans 8:32).

Plan your giving in advance — purpose in your heart. Set a percentage, designate it, give it joyfully. If you find your giving grudging, repent. Ask the Spirit to renew your heart's joy in Christ until joy in giving naturally follows. The cure for stingy giving is not guilt but a fresh sight of Calvary.