(2Co 8:12) “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”  The reference to “a willing mind” speaks of a desire to do something for God (context: give financially). The heart may wish one could do more, and feel bad one cannot give as much as another. It is the heart God honors. It’s possible one’s gift along with such a desire is far greater than the most another gives.

(2Co 8:10) “And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11)  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.”  The Holy Spirit knows all about us. For most of us, we desire and propose to do many things of which we never move ourselves to begin, much less fulfill. Talk is not an exercise of faith, neither is desire. May God help each of us to do.

(2Co 8:9) “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” Of course the message here is plain: give to others as  your Lord gave to you: “Do unto others…”.  Moreso, giving for such a need is a demonstration of true faith: (Jas 2:16) “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” 

(2Co 8:9) “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”  As God the pre-incarnate Christ, He had need of nothing, complete in Himself, living where there was no pain, no suffering, no death, no sin, worshipped by all created beings! Yes, He was rich beyond man’s ability or knowledge to comprehend, much less describe.

(2Co 8:8) “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”  If we have truly been saved, endowed with the grace of the salvation experience, then it will be revealed by actions, not words. A person in the flesh can only test the reality of  your profession by your actions: Jesus’ Words…(Mat 7:20) “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” 

(2Co 8:7) “Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”  Grace: favor given though not deserved. I don’t deserve to have my sins forgiven, saving my eternal soul, but I believe it by faith. In recognition of that fact I speak of this grace to others (utterance). He in grace teaches me His word (knowledge). Grace towards me prompts me to be faithful (diligence). Grace opens my heart to the Holy Spirit to love all men through me which prompts me to care about their needs (giving).

(2Co 8:2) “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality…..(6) Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.”  Paul is penning this. The Lord is speaking. He has so made us that we are inspired by others to the obedience and joy of doing what is right in His sight. Believers need to be given opportunities to share their victories in Christ.

(2Co 8:5) “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”  These precious souls went far beyond the sacrifice of giving (and it was a sacrifice, v.3-4). They set forth the priority as moved by the Holy Spirit. The Lord could supply this need without them giving a single coin. What was most needed was the giving of themselves to the Lord. This is our need as well.

(2Co 8:3) “For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; (4) Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”  It seems they gave more than Paul thought necessary for ones so poor. And then, because they were hindered possibly by their own poverty from going, they begged Paul to take it to the saints for them.

(2Co 8:1) “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (2)  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”  Faith allows us to look beyond what we see, trusting Him to keep His Word. The Lord sees the widow giving all she has. In other words, the Lord knows our circumstances as meets our every need.