2 Corinthians 8:7

He Exhorts The Corinthians Also To Demonstrate Their Spirituality By Their Generosity (2 Corinthians 8:7)

‘But as you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.'

Did they not abound in everything that was spiritual and right? In spiritual gifts (faith, utterance and knowledge), in zeal and earnestness in going about things, and in love for Paul and his fellow-workers? That was their claim. Well then let them abound in the gift of ‘giving', that gracious gift from God of loving generosity (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 13:3).

If they have ‘faith' in God's power to provide they will certainly not be backward in giving. And if they are inspired to prophesy, bringing God's moral message to man, and if they have true spiritual knowledge about the all-giving God, then he is confident that they will be open-hearted givers. Besides he is further confident because of their zeal for God, confident that that ‘zeal' to act will surely cause them to act in this case of clear need. And finally he is confident that their love for him and his fellow-workers will ensure their response. So let them ensure that they abound in this gracious gift as well, the gift of giving. His message is wholly positive. He congratulates them on what they are, in the confidence that he will draw from them the right response. It is praise with a purpose. But it is genuine praise.