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
How many times do we leave a task incomplete? Are half-written letters lying on your desk? Are you waiting to make a phone call that should’ve been made days ago? Why haven’t you completed your devotions for the seminary?
Tomorrow. Maybe I will finish it tomorrow.
I got a message one Friday evening, “Call Steve, he needs to talk to you.” Steve was a dear friend. We laughed, cried, prayed and worked together for several years. He was a member of the church I serve.
I can call him tomorrow. The next afternoon as Steve marked his ball on the 8th green at our local golf course he suffered a heart attack and died. He was 46.
A few days later I preached at his funeral. I couldn’t put it off. I also would never have the opportunity to return his phone call.
Finish the letter. Make the call. Write the check. Share a word of forgiveness.
Prayer
Good and Gracious God, Give us eyes to see the work that you call us to be about. Give us eyes to see and give us the will to do it. Amen.