2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - Generosity In Giving

¹ Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia. ² [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave [financial help] to the full limit of their ability, yes and even beyond it. [And they did this] entirely on their own, ⁴ [even] pleading with us and requesting the privilege of taking part in this service to the saints [i.e., God's holy people] in Jerusalem. [See also 9:1-15; I Cor. 16:1-2; Rom. 15:25-28]. ⁵ And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God. ⁶ So, [i.e., because of your enthusiastic response to this need. See verse 10], we urged Titus, who had previously begun [taking up this collection], to help you also complete this favorable work [i.e., by finalizing it]. ⁷ But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].

⁸ I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also. ⁹ For you know the unearned favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, [how] that even though He was rich, He became poor for your sakes, so that through His poverty you people could become [spiritually] rich. ¹⁰ Now here is my advice on what is best to do in this matter: Since you were the first ones to begin [taking up a collection] a year ago, [now you should] not only be doing something [about it], but [you should continue] wanting to do something [as well]. ¹¹ So, now finish doing it also, so that just as you were eager to want to, you will also [be eager to] finish it, according to your ability. ¹² For if the eagerness is there, [then] whatever a person has [to give] is acceptable, and not what he does not have. ¹³ I am not saying this to make it easy for others [to give] and difficult for you people, ¹⁴ but that there will be equality [i.e., in everyone's giving]. Your abundance can now supply their need, so that their abundance can [later] supply your need. [That way] there can be equality, ¹⁵ as it is written [Ex. 16:18], "The person who gathered much [i.e., manna] did not have any left over, and the one who gathered [only] a little [still] had plenty."