2 corinthians 8:12 - For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.
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What does "2 corinthians 8:12" mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:12, is a key principle of Christian giving, and it emphasizes the importance of willingness and sincerity over the amount given. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"For if the readiness is there...": This highlights the importance of a willing heart. The apostle Paul is talking about contributing to a collection for the Christians in Jerusalem who were in need. He's emphasizing that the attitude behind the giving matters more than the size of the contribution. A cheerful, eager spirit is what God values.
"...it is acceptable...": God finds the offering pleasing and acceptable when it is given out of a generous and willing heart.
"...according to what you have...": God doesn't expect people to give what they don't have or to impoverish themselves in the process. He understands that resources are limited and that people have different capacities.
"...not according to what you don’t have.": This is the core point. God doesn't judge or measure your generosity based on what you lack. He looks at the proportional sacrifice - the percentage of your resources that you're willing to share. It's not about equal giving, but equal sacrifice.
In simpler terms:
God appreciates a gift given from a willing heart, proportional to what you can reasonably afford. He doesn't expect you to give beyond your means or to give something you don't have. It's the sincerity and willingness to share that matters most.
Context in 2 Corinthians 8-9:
This verse is part of a larger discussion about giving generously and cheerfully. Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to participate in a collection to help the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. He uses the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own poverty, gave generously out of their love and willingness. Paul is teaching that:
Giving is an expression of love and gratitude.
Giving should be voluntary and not coerced.
God will bless those who give generously and cheerfully.
The overall message of 2 Corinthians 8:12 is about the spirit of giving, not simply the amount given. It’s a comforting principle that takes the pressure off and emphasizes the heart's intention behind the act of giving.
2 corinthians 8:12 - For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.
What does "2 corinthians 8:12" mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:12, is a key principle of Christian giving, and it emphasizes the importance of willingness and sincerity over the amount given. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"For if the readiness is there...": This highlights the importance of a willing heart. The apostle Paul is talking about contributing to a collection for the Christians in Jerusalem who were in need. He's emphasizing that the attitude behind the giving matters more than the size of the contribution. A cheerful, eager spirit is what God values.
"...it is acceptable...": God finds the offering pleasing and acceptable when it is given out of a generous and willing heart.
"...according to what you have...": God doesn't expect people to give what they don't have or to impoverish themselves in the process. He understands that resources are limited and that people have different capacities.
"...not according to what you don’t have.": This is the core point. God doesn't judge or measure your generosity based on what you lack. He looks at the proportional sacrifice - the percentage of your resources that you're willing to share. It's not about equal giving, but equal sacrifice.
In simpler terms:
God appreciates a gift given from a willing heart, proportional to what you can reasonably afford. He doesn't expect you to give beyond your means or to give something you don't have. It's the sincerity and willingness to share that matters most.
Context in 2 Corinthians 8-9:
This verse is part of a larger discussion about giving generously and cheerfully. Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to participate in a collection to help the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. He uses the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own poverty, gave generously out of their love and willingness. Paul is teaching that:
Giving is an expression of love and gratitude.
Giving should be voluntary and not coerced.
God will bless those who give generously and cheerfully.
The overall message of 2 Corinthians 8:12 is about the spirit of giving, not simply the amount given. It’s a comforting principle that takes the pressure off and emphasizes the heart's intention behind the act of giving.