What is a willing mind in 2 Corinthians 8:12?

In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul organized a financial collection among several churches to help poor believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25–26; 1 Corinthians 16:1–3). The church in Corinth initially participated in the effort but then stopped. In response, Paul asked the Corinthians to restart their giving. He encouraged them, saying, “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12, NKJV). Having a “willing mind” means being ready and eager to financially support those in need.

Specifically, the phrase “willing mind” refers to a person’s attitude toward giving. Rather than suggesting a specific amount of money or a percentage of income, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to be eager to give generously to God’s work. This reiterates what he wrote earlier in the letter: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

At one time, the Corinthians had a reputation for generosity. Paul mentioned this when he said, “Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so” (2 Corinthians 8:10). Previously, the church had the right attitude as it supported Paul’s work. However, when the church encountered adversity, which the letter doesn’t specifically identify, its willingness weakened. A challenge, threat, or lie led them to stop giving. Some scholars suggest that this may have been due to the influence of false teachers who claimed Paul was an illegitimate leader. These false teachers likely wanted the Corinthians to give them money instead.

Paul’s plea with the church is to follow through on their support of his efforts: “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means” (2 Corinthians 8:11). Restarting their giving required renewed willingness, which would give them a posture of readiness, and result in finishing what they started, so the needs of the poor would be met.

The proper amount to give was based on what the Corinthians could afford. Paul wrote, “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12, NKJV). Thus, if the Corinthians had the right attitude, they would give according to their means. Paul doesn’t specify an exact amount or a percentage of income. The NLT expresses Paul’s instruction about willingness in a clear manner: “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have” (2 Corinthians 8:12).

Acts 11:29 provides an example of Christians giving financially with the right attitude: “The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.” These believers willingly gave to God’s work according to their means.

Attitude, that is, having a “willing mind,” is important in living out the Christian faith. Colossians 3:23 reflects this principle: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Having a willing mind ensures that believers don’t go through the motions of following Jesus (Matthew 15:8). A faith that consists of only going through religious motions isn’t really faith at all—it’s works, and even good works won’t save a person from sin (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, good works that come from faith are evidence of conversion and serve God’s purposes in the world (Ephesians 2:10).