At first, this scripture may seem remote from us;
Paul is reminding the Corinthians of a commitment
that they had made to a relief effort for others.
But there is something challenging here for us, too.
How do we gauge our part in a work?
What is the difference between a contribution and a commitment?
Paul claims Jesus as the ultimate standard; Jesus is the one
who emptied himself of everything (kenosis) so that we might have
anything worthwhile spiritually or physically.
Are we worried about what we get out of ministry here in Hollis,
or is our concern whether or not those who are without have
what they need. Where are we with that?
Hear the word of the Lord:
Now 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.
I do not say this as a command,
but I am testing the genuineness of your love
against the earnestness of others.
For 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.
And 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 —
now finish doing it,
so that your eagerness may be matched
by completing it according to your means.
For if the eagerness is there,
the gift is acceptable according to what one has —
not according to what one does not have.
I do not mean that there should be
relief for others and pressure on you,
but it is a question of a fair balance between
your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may be for your need,
in order that there may be a fair balance.
As it is written,
"The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little."
May God help us to open ourselves to his word.
Blessings,
Ron
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 - NRSV
