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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart." For a man when left to himself, does a thing more readily than when compelled. Wherefore also he dwells upon this: for having said, "according as he is disposed," he added, "Not grudgingly, nor of necessity." And neither was he content with this, but he adds a testimony from Scripture also, saying, "For God loveth a cheerful giver." Seest thou how frequently he lays this down? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
He dwells on the subject of giving with cheerfulness, knowing that the example of the Macedonians is sufficient to urge them to greater giving and to shame them if they prove inferior to those. He heals their mind so that the deed they perform may be a virtue, for what is compelled is not virtue. Therefore, as a true teacher, he wants his disciples, when doing something, to do it as virtue requires, and moreover voluntarily, so that their reward may also be full, for what is done under compulsion loses its reward. …
Clement of Alexandria
See then, first, that He has not commanded you to be solicited or to wait to be importuned, but yourself to seek those who are to be benefited and are worthy disciples of the Saviour. Excellent, accordingly, also is the apostle's saying, "For the Lord loveth a cheerful giver;" who delights in giving, and spares not, sowing so that he may also thus reap, without murmuring, and disputing, and regret, and communicating, which is pure beneficence.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, each one must do, he exhorts them to give cheerfully and joyfully. In regard to this he does two things. First, he urges them to give joyfully; secondly, he gives the reason (v. 7b). He says therefore: I say that you should prepare what you intend to give as a gift, i.e., abundantly, and as worthy of a blessing, and not as an exaction, i.e., not sparingly. He says this, because what is done spontaneously cannot be done with covetousness. …
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