2 Corinthians 8:10–12: And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
We must be careful here not to confuse willing with doing, because the two must go together. If the willing is sincere and in the will of God, then there must be “a performance also.” Paul did not say that willing was a substitute for doing, because it is not. But if our giving is motivated by grace, we will give willingly, and not because we have been forced to give.
God sees the “heart gift” and not the “hand gift.” If the heart wanted to give more, but was unable to do so, God sees it and records it accordingly. But if the hand gives more than the heart wants to give, God records what is in the heart, no matter how big the offering in the hand might be. 1
Personal Application
- Read Acts 20:35. How has this sentence by Jesus effected your generosity?
Godly Encouragement
- But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. –Hebrews 13:16
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
A willing mind must also have a willing heart to do His will, willingly. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, teach me to have the right motive in the things that I do.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.