II Corinthians 8

“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have” (v11).  The Corinthians had apparently expressed interest in doing what the Macedonian church had done: contributing to the offering for the poor – the “relief of the saints” (v4).  Now, Paul urged them to back up their interest with action, so that their love would be proved “genuine” (v8).  By being generous, they were imitating God Himself. 

The churches had a relationship of mutual help.  “Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness” (v14).