The theme for Charity Sunday 2027 (7 February) is taken from a statement by the Apostle Paul: ‘God loves a cheerful giver.’ That is a remarkable statement. Giving, therefore, is not about the size of the sum or the chosen cause, but above all about the giver’s intention. In other words, how we give. We shall give with joy, just as God does. How generously He gives in the form of colourful flora and fauna, in landscapes full of fragrance and variety. But above all in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our lost world. Giving cheerfully springs from the realisation that everything we possess ultimately comes from God.
We might think, for instance, of the poor widow in Mark 12. At one point, Jesus sits opposite the offering box in the temple and watches what everyone is putting into the collection – whether they’re making a donation via a QR code or the church app. We’ve never really paid much attention to that. We see Jesus with the sick, we hear Him preaching, He is sitting amongst children, He hangs on the cross, He rises from the dead. But Jesus observing our giving? God takes the time to sit down and watch it specifically.
Then, suddenly, an old woman appears and slips a few coins through the slot in the offering box. Copper coins. All she has. Although she has very little, she still wants to share the money in her hand with the rich God of the temple. She keeps nothing for herself but gives what she has. And Jesus appreciates this sister’s intention. She gave the most of all, as His teaching goes.
Did she give cheerfully? We don’t read that. She gave boldly. Certainly courageously! It takes courage to do what is right. For us, too. And whoever finds that courage will be happy. That is certainly true; in the knowledge that God loves this. Our hearts are connected to God’s heart, and vice versa.
What a different attitude we see all around us. A hardening of society, polarisation, writing one another off. God, teach us to give joyfully!