ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY, AND BEYOND THEIR ABILITY

ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY, AND BEYOND THEIR ABILITY

For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing (2 Corinthians 8:3)

Paul highlighted 3 elements of the Macedonians’ giving which summed up the concept of freewill giving: 1) “according to their ability.” Giving is proportionate—God sets no fixed amount or percentage and expects His people to give based on what they have (Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:2); 2) “beyond their ability.” Giving is sacrificial. God’s people are to give according to what they have, yet it must be in proportions that are sacrificial (Matthew 6:25–34; Mark 12:41–44; Philippians 4:19); and 3) “their own accord”—literally “one who chooses his own course of action.” Giving is voluntary—God’s people are not to give out of compulsion, manipulation, or intimidation. Freewill giving has always been God’s plan (2 Corinthians 9:6; Genesis 4:2–4; 8:20; Exodus 25:1, 2; 35:4, 5, 21, 22; 36:5–7; Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 16:10, 17; 1 Chronicles 29:9; Proverbs 3:9, 10; 11:24; Luke 19:1–8). Freewill giving is not to be confused with tithing, which related to the national taxation system of Israel (Leviticus 27:30–32) and is paralleled in the NT and the present by paying taxes (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:6, 7).