Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:12-14

"For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not. For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed; but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality:" — 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 (ASV)

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. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want: that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.

It is in the Christian Church alone that we shall ever find liberty, equality, and fraternity thoroughly represented. There, by the life of Christ within his people spiritually, this shall be realized. The apostle supports this thought, which Bengel has beautifully articulated when he says, "We ought to minister of our luxuries to the comfort of others, and of our comforts to the necessities of others."

So we should, to maintain a balance, so that when one suffers need and another abounds, there may be equality.