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
This is a classic reading for Stewardship Sunday. Paul appeals to the Corinthians to contribute to the collection for the relief of the Jerusalem church, some of whose members have fallen into poverty. I have participated in many stewardship campaigns. Few occasions put one more in touch with the nuts and bolts concerns of church life—keeping the lights on, keeping the doors open. Yet Paul does not hesitate to draw a direct connection between such concerns and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ himself, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes became poor.” It’s good to be reminded that simple acts of service, such as keeping the doors open, are also acts of hospitality toward all who would enter through those doors to hear the good news.
Prayer
Give us generous hearts, O God, so that as Christ gave all for us, so we might give generously for the building up of your church, and for the relief of all who are in need. Amen.
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