The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. He doesn’t want us to give with a poor attitude or a reluctant heart.

Suppose a man bought a gift for his wife on their anniversary, tossed it on her lap and said, “Here. The kids said I better buy you something or you would pout for weeks. It cost too much, but I hope you’re satisfied.”

Would the wife be pleased with that gift? Of course not!

In the same way, God is not pleased with anything that we bring to him because we feel compelled to do it against our will. He wants us to give out of an attitude of joy and love, thankful for the privilege of honoring a heavenly Father who loves us so much.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7.