In 2 Corinthians 9:7, God gives us three characteristics of an authentic generosity: “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’” (NLT).

This kind of biblical generosity is:

• Always thoughtful. “You must each decide in your heart.” You need to think about how much you’re going to give. Don’t do it impulsively or emotionally. You make up your own mind, and you plan it.
• Always voluntary. “Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.” Never, ever, ever give out of guilt. When you do, you don’t get credit for it, and it won’t grow your heart.
• Always cheerful. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” If you can’t give cheerfully, then just don’t. Be a Grinch. Be a miser. Be a Scrooge. You don’t get any credit for giving unless you give to somebody cheerfully.

Be generous with your giving. Again, it’s not about the amount you give—it doesn’t have to be about money at all. You can be generous with your time or with your talents. Whatever you give, do it thoughtfully, voluntarily, and cheerfully.