“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.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Corinthians 8:7 Mean?
"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." Paul encourages the Corinthians toward generosity by appealing to their existing strengths. They abound in faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love. Now he asks them to abound in one more thing: the grace of giving. He lists it alongside spiritual gifts, treating generosity as a grace — a gift from God — rather than merely a duty or obligation.
The approach is pastoral genius. Paul doesn't guilt them into giving. He says: you excel in everything else — make sure you excel in this too. Generosity is presented as consistent with their existing character, not as an uncomfortable addition to it. The word "grace" (charis) applied to giving transforms it from transaction to worship.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Where is your 'abounding' selective — strong in some areas but underdeveloped in generosity?
- 2.How does calling generosity a 'grace' (not a duty) change your relationship with giving?
- 3.What would it look like to pursue excellence in generosity the way you pursue excellence in faith or knowledge?
- 4.Why do you think Paul lists giving alongside faith, speech, and knowledge as things to abound in?
Devotional
You abound in faith. You abound in speech. You abound in knowledge. You abound in diligence. You abound in love. Now abound in generosity.
Paul doesn't approach the Corinthians as if generosity is a weakness to be corrected. He approaches it as a strength they haven't fully developed yet. You're already excellent in everything that matters — now let that excellence extend to your giving. It's a compliment wrapped in a challenge.
Notice he calls generosity a "grace" — the same word used for God's unmerited favor, for the gifts of the Spirit, for the transforming power of the gospel. Giving isn't in a separate category from the spiritual gifts. It IS a spiritual gift. It's a grace God gives you the capacity to exercise. The ability to be generous isn't natural — it's supernatural. It requires the same divine enablement as faith and prophecy.
If you're strong in faith but weak in generosity, something is incomplete. If you can articulate theology but can't release resources, the abound is selective. Paul is saying: don't be excellent in the spiritual stuff and mediocre in the practical stuff. The same grace that gave you faith can make you generous. Let it.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Therefore as ye abound in everything,.... In all gifts and every grace, in the use and exercise of them, insomuch that…
Therefore as ye abound in everything - see the note, 1Co 1:5. Paul never hesitated to commend Christians where it could…
As ye abound in every thing - See the note on Co1 1:5. In faith, crediting the whole testimony of God; in utterance,…
In these verses the apostle uses several cogent arguments to stir up the Corinthians to this good work of charity.
I. He…
as ye abound Cf. 1Co 1:5.
in all diligence See note on ch. 2Co 7:11.
your love to us Some copies read our love to…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture