Episode 291:
Becoming a Cheerful Giver

28 October 2025

Hey there, I'm

Lisa van den Berg

I'm a Christian entrepreneur and identity coach who helps believers hear God, discover their purpose, and build businesses that make an
eternal impact.

Let's Connect

The Freedom of Letting Go:

Becoming a Cheerful Giver

We all like to think of ourselves as generous people, right? But have you ever stopped to really think about what that means — that we actually own nothing? God owns it all, and we get to be His stewards — the ones who distribute His resources across the earth.

That thought alone changes everything.

Over the last few weeks, our church has been on a 21-day spiritual journey, and one of the verses that keeps coming up is 2 Corinthians 9:7 —

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

There’s something about those words — “God loves a cheerful giver.” It’s one of the few places in Scripture where we’re told exactly what brings a smile to His face.

1 | 💛 God Owns It All

When we really grasp that everything we have — our homes, our bank accounts, even our talents — belongs to Him, it changes how we live. We stop clinging so tightly. We start asking,
“Lord, how would You like me to use what’s Yours?”

That realization brings such freedom. No more pressure to protect or prove. Just a steady peace knowing that the One who owns it all knows how to provide for it all too.

2 | 🌱 Giving Up What You Love for What You Love More

A few days ago, I asked the Lord what He’d like me to give toward a special church project. I listed ideas in my head, trying to find the “right” one — but none of them felt right. So I stopped striving and simply said, “Okay Lord, You show me.”

The next morning, He brought something to mind I hadn’t thought about for a long time — something deeply precious to me. I immediately knew: That’s it.

And then He whispered a phrase that has stayed with me ever since:

“What can you give up that you love for something you love more?”

That’s when giving became an act of love — not loss.

3 | 🌸 The Joy of a Cheerful Heart

Cheerful giving doesn’t just apply to money. It’s about surrender in every area of life. It’s forgiving when it’s hard. It’s letting go of pride, control, or fear. Every time we release something we’ve been holding onto, we make space for God’s joy to fill that place instead.

The more we give cheerfully, the more we experience His peace. And somehow, what we “lose” always turns into something far better — His presence, His provision, His smile.

✨ Say “Yes” to God’s Invitation

So, my friend, take a few quiet moments with God today and ask:

“Lord, what would You have me give? What could I release — something I love — for something I love more?”

You’ll be amazed at the freedom that follows.

So, will you say yes to the adventure Jesus is inviting you on today?

✨ Will you say “yes” to His invitation today?

Blessings to you
Lisa vdB

Hey There I'm

Lisa van den Berg

I'm a Christian entrepreneur and identity coach who helps believers hear God, discover their purpose,
and build businesses that make an
eternal impact.