We wrote about tithing a few weeks ago and shared a 9-point list from a pastor in Seattle on why we should give. I’ve just read 1 Chronicles 29 – not the first chapter one thinks of when the subject of giving comes up – and I think we missed a reason to give:

Giving brings joy.

Here are some snippets:

[David said, ] “So I have provided for the house of my God…the gold…the silver…and the bronze…besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble. Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house, and for all the work to be done by craftsmen…Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”

Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work. They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (1 Chronicles 29.2 – 9, ESV, emphasis mine)

Then David prays:

…I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you… (1 Chronicles 29.17, ESV, emphasis mine)

And finally,

All the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and paid homage to the LORD and to the king. And they offered sacrifices to the LORD, and on the next day offered burnt offerings to the LORD, 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. And they ate and drank before the LORD on that day with great gladness. (1 Chronicles 29.20 – 22, ESV, emphasis mine)

It’s hard to improve on that…

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, ESV)

And the people were full of a sense of celebration—all that giving! And all given willingly, freely! King David was exuberant. (1 Chronicles 29.9, MSG)