What does "eager willingness" mean in the context of 2 Corinthians 8:11? Setting the Scene in Corinth Paul is urging the Corinthians to complete a relief offering for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. A year earlier they had launched the collection with enthusiasm, yet the money still had not been delivered (2 Corinthians 8:10). What the Phrase Means • Greek word: prothumía—“readiness of mind,” “forwardness,” “zeal.” • “Eager willingness” is the God-given impulse to act generously without pressure or delay. • It is more than good intentions; it is a settled, joyful resolve that pushes all the way to completion. Heart Before Hands 1. Desire comes first (8:10). 2. Completion must follow (8:11). 3. God measures the gift by the heart behind it: “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has” (8:12). Grace-Fueled Readiness • The Macedonians “pleaded for the privilege of sharing” (8:4). Their eagerness flowed from “the grace of God” (8:1). • Likewise, your eagerness is evidence that grace is at work, not a human fund-raising technique. Scripture Echoes • 2 Corinthians 9:2 — “Your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.” • Exodus 25:2 — “From every man whose heart compels him you are to receive the offering.” • 1 Chronicles 29:9 — “The people rejoiced at the willing response.” • Romans 1:15 — Paul’s own “eagerness” to preach mirrors the same prothumía. Marks of Genuine Eager Willingness • Comes from the heart, not external coercion. • Moves promptly from planning to action. • Gives “according to your means” (8:11), never pretending resources you do not possess. • Finishes what it starts, reflecting Christ who “completed” our redemption (John 19:30). Living It Out Today • Examine motives—let grace, not guilt, ignite generosity. • Match enthusiasm with a concrete plan and timeline. • Celebrate progress, but do not rest until the commitment is fulfilled. • Trust God to supply so “that in every way you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). |
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