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by Katie Erickson

And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

In the preceding verses of this letter, Paul discussed the idea of Christian generosity. Here, he continues to address that theme, looking into the Corinthian church’s commitment to support the believers in Jerusalem who were experiencing hardship.

Paul starts out here in verse 10 by again emphasizing that he is not giving orders but offering advice. He commends the Corinthians for their previous eagerness to contribute, and he acknowledges their initial desire and their pioneering spirit in giving, which was an example to other churches. Paul’s reference to "my judgment" suggests that he is offering wise counsel based on his apostolic authority and pastoral care for the Corinthians. This commendation serves as an encouragement and a gentle reminder of their commitment.

Then, Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their good intentions in verse 11. He emphasizes the importance of completing the work they started. The phrase "according to your means" highlights the principle of proportional giving. Paul is not asking them to give beyond their capacity but to give in a manner that reflects their individual resources. This approach ensures that the act of giving is sustainable and heartfelt. Back in verse 3, Paul pointed out that the Macedonians gave “even beyond their ability,” but Paul doesn’t want this to become a competition. He is asking for the Corinthians to give eagerly and willingly whatever fits with their means.

Paul continues to stress the value of willingness over the amount given in verse 12. He assures the Corinthians that God values the heart behind the gift more than the gift itself. This teaching aligns with Jesus' commendation of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44. The sincerity and intent of the giver matter more than the size of the contribution. This principle encourages believers to give generously within their capacity without feeling pressured to give beyond their means.

In verse 13, Paul clarifies that his intention is not to burden the Corinthians but to promote a sense of equality among believers. He seeks a balance where those with abundance can assist those in need, ensuring that no one is left in distress. This principle of mutual support reflects the early Christian community described in Acts 2:42-47, where believers shared their possessions to meet each other’s needs. Paul’s vision is for a reciprocal relationship where generosity flows both ways as circumstances change.

Paul reinforces the idea of mutual support and reciprocity in verse 14. He envisions a dynamic community where resources are shared according to current needs and surpluses. This cyclical giving fosters a sense of unity and interconnectedness within the body of Christ. By ensuring that everyone’s needs are met, Paul promotes a practical expression of love and care among believers. This principle challenges the modern church to consider how it can embody such mutual generosity.

Paul concludes this section in verse 15 by quoting Exodus 16:18, referring to the gathering of manna in the wilderness. This Old Testament reference underscores the principle of divine provision and equitable distribution. Just as God ensured that everyone had enough in the wilderness, Paul envisions a community where resources are shared so that all have enough. This model of provision challenges the church to trust in God's ability to meet needs through collective generosity.

This passage provides modern-day believers with helpful insights into how we are to practice generosity. It is important to follow through and complete what we start; good intentions are not enough, but we need to accompany those intentions with action. It is a person’s heart attitude and willingness to give that are more important than the amount given, and it is important to keep the amount given in perspective with the giver’s means. There should be reciprocal generosity – some may have more today but be in need in the future, so resources should go where the need exists.

Finally, the most important piece is that we should trust in God’s ability to meet our needs. That does not mean we should just sit back and wait for money to come in, but rather that we should listen to the Holy Spirit and His guidance in our lives to do what God is calling us to do. If God calls us to give to others even when we feel like we aren’t going to be able to pay our own bills, then we should do that. We often don’t know or understand God’s plans for our lives, but we are called to trust Him in all things, including our finances. Just as He will meet our needs, sometimes in His miraculous ways, He may desire to use us and our obedience to meet another’s need in a miraculous way.

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