2 Corinthians 9:6-7 [AMP]
[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.
Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (Hetakes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it” ) giver [whose heart is in his giving].
We’ve all heard this passage before but this is the first time I have read the full context of the situation. What is happening is that believers with the Macedonian church are coming to Corinth to visit and Paul has communicated to these Macedonians that the believers in Corinth are prepared to send them back with a gift offering. Just before these two verses, Paul is reminding the Corinthians to be ready with this offering. In most cases preparation was needed to assemble the intended offering which may be money, objects of value, or other gifts that could help the receiving church. Paul was concerned that some members would drag their feet and not be ready and then he would be embarrassed at the lack of preparation to bless this Macedonian church.
Application:
The lesson is that delayed obedience is disobedience. When the Lord has laid something on our hearts to do, we should quickly execute on the task with joy and purpose…especially when it is serving people with immediate needs.