| Geneva Study Bible Every man according as he {c} purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not {d} grudgingly, or of {e} necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (c) Determines and appoints freely with himself. (d) With a sparing and grudging heart. (e) Against his will, not wanting to have evil spoken of him. People's New Testament 9:7 Not grudgingly, or of necessity. Where one gives by compulsion, or to secure popular applause, or grudgingly, he is not approved. For God loveth a cheerful giver. The giving must be cheerful. It is the cheerful giver whom the Lord loves. Wesley's Notes 9:7 Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse. Scofield Reference Notes Margin cheerful Gr. hilarious. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 7. according as he purposeth in his heart-Let the full consent of the free will go with the gift [Alford]. Opposed to "of necessity," as "grudgingly" is opposed to "a cheerful giver" (Pr 22:9; 11:25; Isa 32:8). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 9:6-15 Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we should waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase. Can a man lose by doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God. Let us endeavour to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds. | 
