2 Corinthians 8:7 - Meaning and Application

In these verses, the apostle uses several strong arguments to stir up the Corinthians to this good work of charity. First, he points them to the gifts and graces they already had, and he wants them to excel in charity too (2 Corinthians 8:7). There is skill and wisdom in the way he does this. When he wants to persuade them to give, he first praises them for the good things already in them. Most people like to be spoken well of, especially when we ask them for a gift for ourselves or for others. And when God’s grace shines in someone, it is only right to give that person the praise he deserves.

Notice what the Corinthians had in abundance. Faith comes first, because it is the root. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and when faith grows strong, other graces and good works will also grow. Love will show itself through them. Along with faith, they had speech, which is a fine gift and brings glory to God and good to the church. Many people have faith but lack speech. These Corinthians excelled most churches in spiritual gifts, especially in speech, but this was not, as it is with too many people, the result of ignorance. Along with their speech, they had knowledge, a great deal of it. They had a store of things new and old, and they brought them out in their speaking.

They also abounded in diligence. People who have great knowledge and ready speech are not always the most faithful Christians. Great talkers are not always great doers. But these Corinthians were diligent to do well, not just to know and speak well. They also had much love for their minister, and they were not like many who have gifts of their own and are quick to look down on their ministers and neglect them. Since they had so many good things, the apostle wanted them to add this grace too, generosity to the poor. Where so much good was already found, he wanted still more good to be found there.

Before moving to another argument, Paul made sure to avoid any misunderstanding. He did not want them to think he was trying to force them by authority or lay a heavy burden on them. So he said he was not speaking by commandment, but giving advice (2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:10). He had used the willingness of others as a reason to suggest what would be useful for them and would prove the sincerity of their love. There is a real difference between a plain duty and making good use of a present chance to do good. Many things are good for us to do, even if they cannot be said to be directly and strictly commanded for that exact time.

Another argument comes from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The best reasons for Christian duty are the ones drawn from the love of Christ, which should compel us. The example of the churches in Macedonia was worth copying, but the example of our Lord Jesus Christ should move us much more. Paul says, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Though he was rich, as God, equal in power and glory with the Father, and rich in all the glory and blessedness of heaven, he became poor for our sake. He did not only become man for us, but he also chose poverty. He was born in poor circumstances, lived a poor life, and died poor. He did this so that through his poverty we might become rich, rich in God’s love and favor, rich in the blessings and promises of the new covenant, rich in the hope of eternal life, and made heirs of the kingdom. This is a strong reason for us to be generous to the poor out of what we have, because we ourselves live on the generosity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Another argument comes from their good intentions and their readiness to begin this good work. Paul says it was best for them to carry out what they had planned and finish what they had started (2 Corinthians 8:10, 2 Corinthians 8:11). After all, what use are good intentions if they never become action? Good intentions are fine. They are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to see and full of promise. But if there is no follow-through, they are lost and mean nothing. Good beginnings are lovely too, but we do not gain the benefit unless we keep going and bring fruit to maturity. Since the Corinthians had shown a willingness to act, Paul wanted them to be careful to complete the work according to what they could do.

This would also be pleasing to God. A willing mind is accepted when it is joined with sincere effort (2 Corinthians 8:12). When people plan good things and then try, as far as they are able, to carry them out, God accepts what they have or can do. He does not reject them for what they do not have or what is beyond their power. This is true in other matters as well, not just in charity. But this verse does not support the idea that good intentions alone are enough, or that having a willing spirit is enough to save a person. It is accepted where there is action as far as one is able, and where Providence hinders the action, as in David’s case when he wanted to build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7).

Another argument comes from the way God’s Providence, his wise ordering of events, distributes the goods of this world, and from how changeable human life is (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). The point seems to be this: God gives some people more of this world’s goods and some less, and he does so with a purpose. Those who have more are to help those who are in need, so there is room for charity. Also, since human life changes so quickly, those who have plenty now may one day need help themselves. That should lead them to give while they are able.

It is God’s will that, by helping one another, there should be some level of balance. This does not mean an absolute equality, or a leveling that would destroy ownership of property, because then charity would have no place. But in works of charity, there should be a fair proportion. The burden should not fall too heavily on some while others are completely spared. Everyone should feel responsible to help those who are in need. This is shown by the example of gathering and sharing manna in the wilderness, concerning which we may read in Exodus.

It was the duty of every family, and everyone in the family, to gather what they could. When it was gathered, it was put into one common store for each family, and the head of the family then gave to each person as needed. Some received more than they could gather themselves because of age or weakness, and others received less than they had gathered because they did not need as much. In this way, the person who had gathered much, more than he needed, had nothing left over when it was shared with the one who had gathered little, and that person had no lack.

This teaches us something important about human life in this world. We depend on one another and should help one another. Those who have a great deal of this world still need only food and clothing, and those who have very little usually do not lack those basics. In fact, those who have plenty should not let others go without, but should be ready to help provide for them.