2 Corinthians 8:7

2 Corinthians 8:7 says, 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 now begins to speak of the abundance of the church at Corinth.  He said they abounded in everything.  Paul was speaking of spiritual things, faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, and love for Paul and those with him.  He said that since they abounded in these things, he hoped that they would abound in grace as well.  I believe that Paul was asking that they would show their love for God by helping those that were less fortunate.  Verse eight adds, I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.  Paul said he could not command the church at Corinth to give to help others, but that he could ask based on the example of others and so that they might prove their faith.  When we allow conditions to determine our giving to God, in time or resources, we are failing to act in faith.  Though no one person, nor one church, can command that another person or church give to the ministry of any other person or church, we can ask that they give by faith.  To state it more simply, we cannot command anyone else to give, but their faith should lead them to give.  Verse nine continues, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.  Paul then cites the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If He is not our Lord Jesus Christ, then what Paul is saying has no meaning to us.  Christ gave up the riches of heaven to become a poor human being so that through His poverty we might become rich in our spiritual relationship with God.  Christ did not come to make us rich materially.  Verse ten states, And herein I give advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.  Paul said that he could not command them, but he could advise them.  Paul also said that beginning a good work was not enough, but we must follow through as well.  Verse eleven adds, Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.  Paul instructed the Corinthians to carry through with their promises, especially to God.  This still applies today.  Paul said they were to do this out of what they had.  When we are blessed materially, we need to use all that we have for the glory of God.  Verse twelve continues, For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.  I believe that Paul was saying that the things we propose to do should be consistent with what we have.  We cannot give more than we have, nor should we allow what we don't have to keep us from doing anything.  We are to work with what God has blessed us with.  Verse thirteen says, For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:  Paul also tells us that we are not to sacrifice so that others may live at ease.  We are to help others as much as we are able, but we are not to do so in order for them to simply live without attempting to provide for themselves, or that they might become rich at our expense.  Verse fourteen adds, But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:  Paul said that our giving should be a equitable thing.  When we can we are to help others in need.  When we are in need, they should help us.  Verse fifteen concludes, As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.  Paul said that God's plan had never been for one to be rich and another destitute, but that all should have their needs met.  God will supply, but He expects His followers to be obedient in using what He blesses them with for the good of all His children.