“6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor, his righteousness endures forever.’” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (ESV)

“You have such a good nature.”

That’s a wonderful thing for someone to say about you. It means you come across to people as pleasant in your disposition, something you just give off without any instance. Most people today don’t meet this criterion, me included. We act pleasantly out of good manners or necessity, but don’t feel inside what we’re expressing on the outside.

When my daughter was a toddler, she noticed my downturned eyebrows in the rearview mirror from her car seat in the back. She asked, “Dada, are you mad?” I usually get lost in thought as I drive. I become very focused and do some fine creative and philosophical tinkering in my noggin. I’m intense, but not angry.

I burst from my bubble and explained to her that that was “Daddy’s Thinking Face” and it did not mean that I was upset or angry. Being such a smart girl at her very young age, she understood and accepted it. From then on, she’d catch me in that state and ask me, “Dada, are you thinking?” I assured her I was.

What I failed to fix over the years is this perception of myself to others, being totally fine with my ever-present scowl. It’s a badge of honor, or a uniform, for someone who has deep thoughts. Unlike someone who goes through life bopping around like an aloof silly rabbit, I am a thinker! Of course, the nature of my being is more complex than that, as it is for us all. Just as someone who is good-natured is also more complex than a mere “happy person with no cares in the world”.

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

God sees what is inside of us. No matter how we portray ourselves, He looks past the facade and reads our inner being, our mind and our hearts.

You could be doing the most charitable work, but if your inner workings are grumbling in protest, you are only partially satisfactory in God’s eye. Yes, it is always good to do good works, but it is far superior to do them willfully and gladfully. And it’s just hypocrisy when you do good works and don’t want to do them.

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. – 2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV)

It is not merely about how many good works one does. God wants to see the sincerity of our acts. Be a person that feels joy from helping others. This shows God you are like Him for He gives freely.

Understand that the energy you give off affects those around you and can potentially negate the works you’re performing. For example, I may be doing something nice for my children, but if my mind is elsewhere, it works negatively on their perception and joy of the moment.

Practice this: clear your mind and think only of the good your works will do. Now feel how that same energy that you are giving, flows back into you. It is not a one-way occurrence. It is reciprocal.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)

Understand and believe, that you get back more than what you give.

That should make us all feel joy, every day.

We just need to practice it.

• Sow bountifully
• Not reluctantly or under compulsion (the action or state of being forced to do something)
• Give of yourself, whilst you give of your efforts