Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
~ 2 Corinthians 9:7

Apostle Paul writing to the church at Corinth in his days warned them about giving under compulsion. He encouraged people to give what they had decided in their heart and thus shield themselves against exploitation by unscrupulous men. In other words, he’s saying, “Don’t be a victim of manipulation and don’t manipulate others yourself.”

The decision to give should stem from the heart. That’s why God says, “I the Lord, I search the heart to reward every man according to His deeds.”(Jeremiah 17:10)

God is interested in your heart. He leaves the decision to sacrifice to him to you in order to test your heart and know your default orientation. God told Abraham, “Now I know…”

God is not interested in your sacrifice if it is not something you decided to give in your heart. Coerced worship is loathsome to God. Our sacrifices to God are simply a means for us to demonstrate our value for Him. Giving should spring from a heart that is filled with affection for God. Acceptable worship must be voluntary.

Forget the lies any materialistic and manipulative charismatic wizard masquerading as a pastor may be telling you. A lot of all these people are pushing all kinds of agenda. Many of these preachers on pulpit need to finish their projects. Some of them need to build their own private things. For them, church is a religious enterprise. It is simply a path to self-aggrandizement.

Their kind has always existed. In the time of the early Church, they were not scarce. Apostle Paul had this to say about them,

“…they peddle the word of God for profit.”
~ 2Corinthians 2:17

So it’s your call. What have you decided in your heart to give?