"Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as already determined, without sadness or complusion, for God loves a cheerful giver." --2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Think of the last great gift you gave someone. What made it great? Was it a gift given at an expected time or purchased for an expected amount; or was it beyond expectations in some extraordinary way? Most gifts we feel great about giving are gifts made with something special and unexpected of ourselves. Often it is a gift that is especially thoughtful, or one that is handmade, or maybe one that is a total surprise. Giving these kinds of great gifts gives us a great feeling. We put a lot of heart into them and usually can't wait for them to be opened. How does that compare with how we give to the Lord and to others through the Church? The Lord Jesus showed us the way of great giving and promised to bless us greatly if we follwed his example. As St. Paul tell the Corinthians, God doesn't want us to give out of a spirit of compulsion or obligation or reluctance. God loves a cheerful giver - one that gives out of a spirit of faith and trust and love. In this way, we see the blessings in the lives of others and feel the blessings in our own lives.

Rate yourself worksheet
Where are you on the spectrum of giving? Score yourself as a giver. Along the spectrum of principles (below), give yourself a score from 1 to 20. Add your scores together to see where you stand as a giver. 100 is the perfect score for a great giver.