2 corinthians 8:7 - But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 8:7

What does "2 corinthians 8:7" mean?


This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:7, is part of Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians to participate generously in a collection he's organizing for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:

"But as you abound in everything...": Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians are already blessed and excelling in many areas of their Christian life.

"...in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us...": He lists specific qualities in which they excel:
Faith: Their strong belief and trust in God and Jesus Christ.
Utterance: Their ability to speak eloquently and persuasively, likely in preaching or teaching the Gospel.
Knowledge: Their understanding of Christian doctrine and principles.
All earnestness: Their zeal, passion, and dedication in their Christian endeavors.
In your love to us: Their affection and concern for Paul and his companions.

"...see that you also abound in this grace.": Here, "this grace" refers to the grace of giving generously to help those in need. Paul is urging them to extend their generosity, just as they are excelling in other areas of faith.

In essence, Paul is saying: "You Corinthians are doing great in many aspects of your spiritual lives – you have strong faith, you speak well, you understand the Scriptures, you're passionate, and you love us. Therefore, make sure you also excel in the grace of giving to those who are less fortunate."

Key takeaways:

Balance: Paul doesn't see giving as separate from other spiritual virtues. He wants the Corinthians to see generosity as a natural outflow of their strong faith and love.
Responsibility: Because they are blessed, they have a responsibility to share those blessings with others.
Grace: Giving is presented as a "grace," a gift from God that they should eagerly embrace and develop. It's not just an obligation, but an opportunity to reflect God's character.
Excellence: Paul isn't just asking for a token contribution; he wants them to excel in their giving, just as they excel in other areas of their Christian life. He wants them to set a high standard for their generosity.

This verse is a powerful reminder that Christian growth involves developing all aspects of our faith, including our generosity and compassion for others. It challenges us to consider how we can use our blessings to bless those in need.