A pastor wanted to see if a farmer in his congregation was willing to support the Lord’s work. So one day he challenged him with some direct questions. “If you had two farms,” he asked, “would you be willing to give one to God?” “Why, certainly!” replied the man. “I only wish I were in a position to do so.”

The minister then asked, “If you had $10,000, would you give $5,000 to the Lord?” Without hesitation the man responded, “How I’d love to have that kind of money! I’d enjoy giving generously like that.”

Then the preacher asked this pointed question: “If you had two pigs, would you give one to the church?” The farmer hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, “That’s not fair. You know I’ve got two pigs!”

Talking about giving generously is easy when you have little to give. When the collection plate is passed, however, some Christians grudgingly drop in as little as they dare.

God certainly doesn’t approve of that kind of response! Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us not to give “grudgingly or of necessity.” As the Lord has prospered us, let’s return a portion to Him—wisely, purposefully, and gladly.

Remember, God loves a cheerful giver!