^“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT

I don’t know about you, but this verse causes me to pause and ask myself, “What kind of giver am I?” Do the adjectives used in this passage to describe the kind of giving that God approves of resemble my actual attitude when giving?

Am I generous? The Greek word used here for generous suggests, “giving without regret.” No buyer’s remorse here! How cheerful am I when the proverbial plate is passed? The Greek word used here suggests that someone is having a good time while giving. Am I enthusiastic when it comes to sharing? Do I give from the heart? Am I confident that when I share with others in need, God will take care of me too?

Someone has said, there are three kinds of givers — the flint, the sponge and the honeycomb. To get anything out of a flint you must hammer it. And then you get only chips and sparks. To get water out of a sponge you must squeeze it, and the more you use pressure, the more you will get. But the honeycomb just overflows with its own sweetness. Which kind of giver are you?

Bill Ochs, Planned Giving and Trust Services Director