2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7Now as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you-so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. Verse 8I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. Verse 9For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. Verse 10And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something- Verse 11now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. Verse 12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has-not according to what one does not have. Verse 13I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between Verse 14your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. Verse 15As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little."
Devotion
The human body has two kidneys, but can survive with just one. I heard a story about a woman in a congregation who was suffering kidney failure. As they prayed for her in worship that Sunday, something strange happened. During the passing of the peace, people approached her and said, “I’d be willing to see if my kidney could be a match for you.” Would you consider this?
Often, scarcity’s claws seal our eyes, ears, and hearts from living the radical generosity of Jesus. Paul says, “You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.” (The Message). As we live life in the time of Pentecost, we offer praise to God for the opportunity to be caretakers of all that God has given us! Remember, we get to do this!
Prayer
Generous God, you give, we receive. Help us play well with others. Amen.