Willingness before God

Written By Lettie Henley

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” - 2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV)

This single verse gently overturns the way we often imagine God’s expectations. The Lord does not begin with the size of our offering but with the posture of our heart. Before God weighs the gift, He looks for willingness. Heaven’s measure is not abundance, but surrender.

Paul speaks these words in the context of generosity, yet the truth reaches far beyond finances. God’s concern is not limited to what we give, but how we give; our obedience, service, prayer, and love. A “willing mind” is a heart inclined toward God, ready to respond even when resources feel small. Such willingness transforms ordinary acts into holy offerings.

The grace of this verse is unmistakable. God does not accept us based on what we lack. He does not demand what He has not given. Instead, He receives what we bring in proportion to what we have been entrusted.

This frees us from comparison and performance. Pride is silenced because no one can boast in how much they give. Despair is quieted because no one is rejected for having little.

Here we see the beauty of gospel logic: faithfulness matters more than fullness. The smallest gift, when offered freely, is precious to God. The willing heart reveals trust, a belief that God is worthy of what we place in His hands and sufficient for what remains.

This truth comforts those in seasons of limitation. When strength is low or resources are thin, God does not withdraw His favor. A whispered prayer, a quiet endurance, or a simple act of love offered willingly is fully received by Him. God is not asking you to be more than you are. He is asking you to be willing with what you have today.

God does not measure devotion by the size of the gift, but by the surrender of the heart. A willing mind is always enough.

Prayer:

Lord, give me a willing mind. Free me from fear, comparison, and reluctance. Teach me to trust that what I offer You, however small, is accepted by grace. May my life be a continual offering of love and obedience. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Lettie Henley

Lettie Henley is a devoted child of God whose journey of faith has been marked by a relentless hunger and passion for Jesus. As an autodidact, she has spent years seeking wisdom through prayer, study, and soul-searching, always striving to draw closer to her Savior. Her love for Christ fuels everything she does: whether she's sharing her story, encouraging others, or simply living out her faith daily.

A wife and mother, Lettie’s heart is rooted in her family, and she believes that walking in God’s love begins at home. She is also a loving daughter and a child of the Most High, constantly reminded that her true identity is found in Christ alone.

Through her writing and her life, Lettie seeks to inspire others to pursue Jesus with the same passion that has transformed her soul. Her desire is to be a light in this world, shining brightly for the glory of God and encouraging others to walk boldly in their faith.

https://www.lettiehenleyministries.com
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