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
“It is not enough to obtain means for the work of God, but that these means should be obtained in God’s way. Το ask unbelievers for means is not God’s way; to press even believers to give, is not God’s way; but the duty and the privilege of being allowed to contribute to the work of God should be pointed out, and this should be followed up with earnest prayer, believing prayer, and will result in the desired end.”
George Muller in George Muller and His Witness to a Prayer Hearing God, compiled by Arthur T. Pierson (New York: Baker and Taylor, 1899) 440.
Most people eschew Muller’s perspective on obtaining means to run a ministry such as his orphanage work that centered in Bristol, England. The ignore him because they they he only prayed for God to supply. That he sat in a corner and did not invite people to participate with him in God’s work.
To the contrary, Muller offers a powerful nuance to anyone who is interested in how he engaged people to grow as cheerful givers. In his words, he reminded them of the “duty and the privilege of being allowed to contribute to the work of God.” And he coupled this strategic work with prayer.
If we combine this with today’s Scripture, rather than use compulsion, which is to “press” people to give (and what many fundraisers and pastors do), we should help people see the duty and privilege of sharing money. All the while praying God supplies for our ministry or church and for others in need.
God, teach us not to use our positions of authority to communicate needs with compulsion, but to call people as a duty and privilege to give in response to the grace they received. And supply our needs according to your riches in glory. Hear my prayer in your mercy in the name of Jesus. Amen.