“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.” (II Corinthians 8:7)
In seminary, we learned, that Paul wanted to build bridges between the faith communities. It seems appropriate because in his former preoccupation of persecutor of the early church he wanted to break up the communities; and his zeal did sent believers to different and distance villages and towns. I do not tell you this, beloved reader, to find fault with Paul. But to let you know he mended his ways in many ways – this being one.
“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.” (Verses 8 – 12)
The Lord Jesus Christ’s richness was not in monetary or financial ways, because the Kingdom of Heaven is not like that. No, it was the Jesus had no wants; indeed as a Divine Being there was nothing He needed to sustain the Divine Body – being Divine. He became poor when His body became needful of sustenance. But even then He trusted in the Divine to provide in ways the one could not a have predicted. For the believers who Paul is suggesting be sent a gift from the Corinthians – they could not have predicted either that their needs would be met in this way; as if it was a gift from the Divine through the believers in Corinth.
“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.” (Verses 13 – 14)
Based on the model of the early church, Paul was gently suggesting that abundance above present need be shared so that when ill-fortune comes to those first in line it would be remembered that they gave generously so in return they might receive generously. Not to the extent that hardship be visited on one or the other, but that imminent needs might be fulfilled. I am reminded of a period of time in my work today that I worked to make sure that one of the people in our supported living program remained in the food stamp program. The form asked if there was imminent need, and if so, the program would make sure those urgent needs were met.
“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.” (Verse 15)
There was a time much earlier in my life when our family was on a food stamp program. This was a much earlier and rudimentary program that had limits of what and how much you could get. It was so frustrating to plan a meal for a family around that. It tested my creativity in the kitchen. I am very pleased to have found out the food stamp program is much much better!
Too often the basic needs of life are not available to everyone. It should be a given that everyone has access to food and shelter. Faith groups are marvelous in meeting the needs of others as they can; Paul is to be commended for establish this early in the church’s life. And it is an honor & privilege to continue that holy work. Shalom & Selah!
A Simple Desire 
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