"God Loveth A Cheerful Giver"
Context: Paul writes to the Corinthian Christians, urging them to make a large offering to help meet the needs of the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. The members of the Macedonian church have given generously, even beyond their means. A year earlier the Corinthians had vowed most earnestly that they wanted to contribute to the Jerusalem church, and Paul has boasted to the Macedonians of their generosity. Now to save mutual embarrassment, Paul exhorts the church of Corinth to make good its pledge. Paul cautions the Corinthians, however, to give an offering inspired by love:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
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