The gift is acceptable
2 Corinthians 8:12 - Paul makes a point that it’s not how MUCH you give, it’s HOW you give.
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI) using the DALL·E model.
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
2 Corinthians 8:12 NIV
In his second epistle to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul shows that he is quite human. At certain points in the letter, Paul is stern and reproachful, as if he is a father scolding unruly kids. In other parts, he is loving and gentle, truly showing his regard for a church that has flourished despite many setbacks. The subject of the eighth chapter of 2 Corinthians is generosity and giving, and in this verse Paul makes a point that it’s not how much you give, it’s how you give.
He begins the chapter by talking about the overflowing generosity of the church in Macedonia, which by all accounts was quite poor. The members of the church went out of their way to give as much as possible to help others who were in worse straits than they were and to further the work of Paul’s ministry.
Having cited this example, Paul then points out that the Corinthian church excels in just about everything — “in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you” (2 Corinthians 8:7) — and challenges them to “also excel in this grace of giving”.
He’s not commanding them to give money or property; instead Paul says that he wants “to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.” (2 Corinthians 8:8). This verse speaks volumes about Christian giving, something that is a sticking point for many people in the church.
Paul begins the verse by saying “For if the willingness is there…”, indicating that God is looking for a willing mind — the true sign of a generous heart before God. This generosity of the heart isn’t something that comes with wealth; it is just as likely to happen in a person of meager means as it is with a rich person.
Paul Guzik of Enduring Word explains:
Again, God does not expect us to give what we do not have. True Christian giving cannot be measured by the amount. One might give a million dollars and yet not give enough; another may give one dollar and give with tremendous sacrifice and generosity. True giving is measured by obedience, proportion, and need, not by amount.
i. When the issue of giving is brought up many ask, “How much am I supposed to give?” Paul’s principles throughout this letter and other letters remind us that there is no one answer to that question for every believer.
ii. Many go back to the Old Testament law of the tithe, the giving of ten percent unto the Lord. This is a good principle for giving and perhaps a broad benchmark, yet the New Testament nowhere specifically commands tithing. The New Testament certainly does speak of tithing in a positive light if it is done with a right heart (Luke 11:42).
iii. But the New Testament speaks with great clarity on the principles of giving. It teaches us that giving should be regular, planned, proportional, and private (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) and that it must be generous, freely given, and cheerful (2 Corinthians 9).
iv. Since the New Testament doesn’t emphasize tithing, one might not be strict on it for Christians (though some Christians do argue against tithing on the basis of self-interest). However, since giving should be proportional, we should give some percentage, and ten percent is a good benchmark or goal. However, for some to give ten percent is nowhere near enough; for others, at their present time, five percent may be a massive step of faith.
v. If our question is, “How little can I give and still be pleasing to God?” our heart isn’t in the right place at all. We should have the attitude of some early Christians, who essentially said: “We’re not under the tithe — we can give more!” Giving and financial management are spiritual issues, not only financial issues (Luke 16:11).
The perfect example of a willing mind and generous heart is the poor widow mentioned in Mark 12:41-44 who put just a few cents into the temple treasury. Jesus saw her generosity, saying “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
God also desires that His people give in accordance to their ability. This is seen in Acts 11:29:
“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.”
Going back to the Guzik commentary, it’s important to note that nowhere in the New Testament is tithing — the practice of giving one-tenth of one’s income to the church — commanded or even recommended. Paul’s advice in this verse is that if you have the willingness, you give of your treasure (however big or small it may be) to help grow God’s kingdom and to help those who are in need.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, help me to always be willing and ready to serve You. Open my heart to Your calling, and direct me to use the abilities and resources You have blessed me with as best I can. May I always remember that the important thing is not what I don’t have, but what I do have now and how I can use that gift for Your glory. I thank You for Your grace and mercy, AMEN.