I slow-preached through 2 Corinthians 8-9 earlier this year. Here’s what I learned. Everyone forgets at least one of these.

1. Be a cheerful giver. Grumpy givers think their giving is a personal loss. Cheerful givers think their giving is a personal gain. Grumpy givers feel forced. Cheerful givers feel free.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

2. Remember the mission. Your donations supply the needs of the saints and overflow in thanksgivings to God. Typically, the more money we have, the more ministry we can do.

“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12).

3. Make up your mind. Seek God’s wisdom, and then make a decision. Make a decision! Decide how much and how often you will give.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

4. Follow Through. Good intentions aren’t good enough. Implement your plan. Follow through. These days, automatic bank transfers makes this easy. You just have to set it up.

“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have” (2 Corinthians 8:11).

5. Be blameless. Pursue integrity and excellence in your own finances and help the church do the same. Pray for your leaders and financial team.

“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21).

6. Trust in God. Put your faith in God’s promise to provide. He will ensure you have everything you need and plenty more to share with others.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

7. Praise God for his Provision. As God provides for us and through us, thankfulness grows. Express it. When you see the provision of God, join with others in the praise of God.

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Which of these do you need to do today? Ask God to help you and thank him when he does.