by Doran Roggio

Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.
2Corinthians 9:7
ISV (©2008)

I have strong opinions about subjecting one to charitable giving under compulsion. What do I mean by compulsive giving. I am speaking about the practice of public collections for charity in the workplace, stores, and even places of entertainment. The practice of approaching a person in a public place and asking for funds. A practice that uses embarrassment and coercion in order to get one to contribute to a cause.

Recently my daughter came for a visit to Prescott Valley, Arizona where we opted to dine at Chili’s Restaurant. The dinner was good, the service adequate and friendly. It should have been an enjoyable experience. My distress came when the waitress brought our check and proceeded to ask for a donation for a charity. I said no thank you. I do every time someone attempts to put me on the spot.

I am not suggesting that we do not give to others in need, though admittedly I am reluctant to give to the major charities since the allocation of funds is often questionable. I prefer to give to those in need as I encounter such ones in my daily life. It is a personal choice to contribute to such organizations and many folks enjoy giving to the well-known, established charitable associations. I have no argument with that.

My dispute is against the tactic of seizing opportunity to put individuals ‘on the spot’. Giving should come from the heart, it is only by giving from the heart that a person can experience the joy that comes from heartfelt giving. When it becomes compulsory, whether from the need to avoid embarrassment or feelings of guilt, the joy is diminished and the gift of giving becomes a begrudging task.

I would have had no objection to a box by the cashiers booth or something set up by the door for collections. This would have given me the opportunity to give as I am moved from my heart and not as a compulsory act that robs me of the choice to give and the joy that comes with that decision and the act of giving.