2 Corinthians 8:7-12

Encouragement to Give Generously

7 But as p you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you 1 - q see that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 r I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that s though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter t I give my judgment: u this benefits you, who v a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable w according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

  1. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:5
    That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge -
  2. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:8
    And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:6
    Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
  4. Cross References
    Philippians 2:6 - 7
    Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
    2 Corinthians 6:10
    As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
    Matthew 20:28
    Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
  5. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:25
    Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
  6. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 15:7 - 8
    If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother.
    Proverbs 19:17
    Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
    Proverbs 28:27
    Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
    1 Timothy 6:18 - 19
    They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
    Hebrews 13:16
    Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
  7. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:2
    For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
  8. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:7
    Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
    Mark 12:43 - 44
    And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.
    Luke 21:3
    And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.