2 Corinthians 8:12

12 For if there is first a willing desire, it is accepted according to what a person has and not according to what they do not 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 And in this I give my advice, for this is expedient for you, who began not only to do, but also to be diligent a year ago.

11 Now therefore finish the doing of it that as there was a readiness to will, so there may also be a performance out of that which ye have.

12 For if there is first a willing desire, it is accepted according to what a person has and not according to what they do not have.

13 For I mean not that others be eased and ye burdened,

14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want that their abundance also may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality: