What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 mean?

Paul is providing the Corinthians with universal, biblical principles about giving to meet the needs of other believers. Two more are found in this verse.

First, God calls on every believer to decide in his or her heart and mind how much to give. They should then to follow through on that conviction. That number could be a set amount in a specific instance. It might be a percentage of one's income on a regular basis. It should never be more than one has, Paul wrote in the previous chapter (2 Corinthians 8:12). It should be in proportion to what has been received. The important point is that it is an individual choice based on conscience and a person's own relationship with God.

Why is this so important? It matters to God that Christian giving always be voluntary. It is not a tax or an obligation. A gift of money or anything else is only called a gift when the giver is not obligated to hand it over.

The second truth about giving in this verse is this: God loves cheerful givers. The opportunity to give to meet the needs of others should delight God's children. When it does, He is delighted in them.