2 Corinthians 8:12

12 Do you really want to give? Then the gift is received in keeping with what you have, not with what you don't have.

2 Corinthians 8:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind
If what is done springs from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully and freely, and according to a man's ability; the quantity matters not, whether it be more or less:

it is accepted;
both of God and man:

according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
The widow's mite was as acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast into the treasury; a cup of cold water given to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, is taken notice of by God, and shall have its reward. The present sent by the Philippians to the Apostle Paul, and which perhaps was not very large, was "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God", ( Philippians 4:18 ) .

2 Corinthians 8:12 In-Context

10 Here is my advice about what is best for you in that matter. Last year you were the first to give. You were also the first to want to give.

11 So finish the work. Then your longing to do it will be matched by your finishing it. Give on the basis of what you have.

12 Do you really want to give? Then the gift is received in keeping with what you have, not with what you don't have.

13 We don't want others to have it easy at your expense. We want things to be equal.

14 Right now you have plenty in order to take care of what they need. Then they will have plenty to take care of what you need. That will make things equal.