2 Corinthians 8:7

“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”

Context:The Apostle Paul wrote the book of 2 Corinthians as a letter to the church in Corinth. In this particular verse, Paul is addressing the Corinthians regarding the collection he was taking up for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He encourages them to excel in their generosity and participate in this act of grace.

Abounding in Every Thing:Paul commends the Corinthians for their growth and abundance in various areas of their faith. This includes their faith, utterance (speech), knowledge, diligence, and love toward Paul and his ministry.

The Grace of Giving:Paul urges the Corinthians to excel not only in the mentioned areas but also in the grace of giving. The context reveals that this refers to their willingness and generosity in contributing to the collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem.

The Principle of Abundance:Paul encourages the Corinthians to apply the principle of abundance to their giving. Just as they were growing and flourishing in other areas, he exhorts them to extend their abundance to their giving as well. This implies that their generosity should reflect the overflow of blessings they have received from God.

The Grace of Giving as an Act of Worship:Giving is not merely a financial transaction but an act of worship. Paul emphasizes that giving is an expression of God’s grace working in the lives of believers. When we give, we imitate the nature of God, who is abundantly gracious toward us.

The Motivation for Giving:In the broader context of this passage, Paul mentions the example of Jesus Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for our sakes, that through His poverty we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). This selfless act of Christ serves as the ultimate motivation for the Corinthians, and for us, to give generously.

Application:This verse reminds us of the importance of not only growing in our faith but also in our generosity. It challenges us to examine our hearts and consider how we can contribute to the needs of others, whether financially or in other ways, as an act of worship and an expression of God’s grace working through us.

• In summary, 2 Corinthians 8:7 encourages believers to excel in their faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love, and urges them to extend their abundance to the grace of giving. It emphasizes that giving is an act of worship and an expression of God’s grace working in our lives, calling us to imitate the selfless example of Jesus Christ.