Decide Before You Give

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

As he purposeth in his heart. Purposing happens before the moment of giving, in the quiet, with no one watching and no pressure applied.

This is why so much giving feels heavy. It is decided on the spot — when the basket is passing, when the message arrives, when somebody is standing in front of you. Decisions made under pressure are rarely cheerful, and often they are not even generous. They are just uncomfortable.

God is not against planning your giving. He is asking for it. A purposed giver knows the amount before the moment comes, so when the moment arrives there is no fight — only a decision already made being carried out.

And notice what He loves. Not the size. The cheerfulness. That is far easier to have when the choice was made in peace, days before, in your own heart.