The Lord loves a cheerful giver

Wesley Wright

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, June 21, 2026

 

2CO 9:1-7

Title: The Lord loves a cheerful giver

 

Paul makes it clear that it’s unnecessary that he write about the giving of the Corinthians

(2CO 9:1). He did so anyway — that’s a rhetorical device called paraleipsis.

 

In short, by saying that you will not mention something, you are in fact mentioning it. Two examples of paraleipsis in the NT:

1TH 4:9-12,

HEB 11:27-34

 

Paul had already made it known to others that those in Corinth were willing to give

(2CO 9:2) — now this was their chance to finish what they started originally.

 

The people of Corinth procrastinated some, evidently. They had already been collecting funds since the previous year:

2CO 8:6-11

 

Paul did not want the people of Corinth to appear unprepared if (when) he brought Macedonians with him ( 2CO 9:3-4). Remember their plight?

 

It matters to Paul that the Corinth gift not be impacted by covetousness (2CO 9:5). Avoid covetousness at all costs. In this context, it would make them give reluctantly.

 

The brothers in view in

2CO 9:5 are Titus and the other two unnamed men we mentioned last week. Know that the words “previously promised gift” refers to procrastination from those

at Corinth.

 

To sow (2CO 9:6-7) in this context is to give. Do you want to reap sparingly or bountifully? Remember that God has already given us a vast amount:

1TI 6:6-8

 

Give freely. Remember that when you give, you should do so expecting anything physically in return: LUK 6:31-38

 

Our giving might yield physical rewards, but it will undoubtedly yield eternal rewards:

MAT 10:40-42, LUK 12:31-34, 1TI 6:17-19. PRO 19:17

 

Don’t covet, since God supplies for our needs + much more. To covet is to undermine what He has already provided. Instead, be cheerful in your giving in lieu of wanting what others have.

 

Give freely, knowing that our God sees all. There’s no compulsion, and the rewards you build up, you will enjoy eternally. Remember how much He has given to us.