Responding to Real Needs
For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality. At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.” (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
As we consider excelling in this grace, Paul shows that generous giving also meets real needs and reflects God’s heart for equality among His people.
In today’s passage, Paul calls for equality in generosity among the saints. This was not some sort of communism or socialism, but the principle of divine equality, mutual provision, and future reciprocity based on God’s grace. The Israelites understood this based on the Manna principle where “…the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.” (Exodus 16:18)
Equality and fairness are often debated and disputed. In an effort to teach this principle, a mother developed a strategy to ensure fairness when giving treats. It’s called the “I cut, you choose? One child gets to divide the treat, but the other then chooses their piece first. Obviously, the divider makes the portions as equal as possible to avoid getting the smaller share. God has poured grace and abundance into our lives and He “tests” our heart to see how we divide and share what is really His anyway. And when we imitate His generosity and give freely, God smiles (for He loves a cheerful giver).
Lastly, compassionate giving requires action which moves from heart to hands.
James reminds us, “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
Reflection:
- Which specific needs—current or future through expanded facilities—stir your heart most, and why?
- Even if a need doesn’t immediately “tug your heartstrings,” how can trusting church leadership guide your response?
Prayer:
Gracious Heavenly Father, we know that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Help me to reflect Your same generous spirit. Please remove selfishness, greediness, or reluctance from my heart and fill it with a willing and cheerful desire to give. Remind me that You often bring the weary, poor, and marginalized into my life to see how I will respond. May every response please and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Vision Night:
Join us for Vision Night tonight at 6:30 PM in the Worship Center, where we’ll share about the heart and vision of the Overflow Initiative. This is a great opportunity to hear details and ask questions. Creekside Kids will be available for children’s programming.