Proper 8: Epistle, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15                                 

2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15

Giving. That action based on decisions made that someone else’s need comes before my own, is usually met in the Christian congregation with questions. And that is good and right. Not that anyone questions the goodness of the act of giving, but rather, how best can I give? Is it only financial giving that is in view (as it seems to be in this passage). If I give and I still have something left for myself, does that count? Or must I give all that I have, so that I can qualify for giving from “extreme poverty?” Who is the actual giver? Is it me? Is it God through me? And to what end is my donation?

I’m going to let you read and ponder a bit on your own. But I will first direct you to the final verse of this week’s epistle reading. The apostle Paul writes, citing Exodus 16, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack” (8:15).

Love. Care. Provision. Sufficiency. The passage Paul cites points to these “tangible concepts.” Four powerful words that mark God in His relationship with His children. Can we, as His children, be any less to those around us who live with true need?