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
“Cheerfulness consists in not regarding things as our own, but as entrusted to us by God for the benefit of our fellow servants. It consists in scattering them abroad generously with joy and magnanimity, not reluctantly or under compulsion.”
Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022) in “Wisdom of the Saints” posted by the Greek Orthodox Community of Prince George.
Happy Easter. My word for the year is gratitude and I am learning how it connects with cheerfulness.
When our gratitude motivates us to give our lives as generous, living sacrifices like Christ gave His life for us, the motivating factor that surfaces is cheerfulness. We don’t have to do it, we get to do it.
I pray you have a blessed day of celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But I hope it does not stop there. In response, let us live, give, serve, and love others with cheerfulness.
Everything we possess has been entrusted to us to be enjoyed and scattered “abroad generously with joy and magnanimity.” What will this look like for you in life after Lent?
My prayer is that our Lenten fasting, praying, and serving has prepared us for cheerful and generous living on Easter and beyond.