2 Corinthians 8:12

12 A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can't afford, if it's apparent that it's done willingly.

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 I'm giving you my opinion about this. It's to your advantage to do this, since you not only started to do it last year but you wanted to do it too.

11 Now finish the job as well so that you finish it with as much enthusiasm as you started, given what you can afford.

12 A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can't afford, if it's apparent that it's done willingly.

13 It isn't that we want others to have financial ease and you financial difficulties, but it's a matter of equality.

14 At the present moment, your surplus can fill their deficit so that in the future their surplus can fill your deficit. In this way there is equality.