Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 101

April 10;       2 Corinthians 8:14;        157/260;        ‘Equality in Giving’

2 Corinthians 8:14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack — that there may be equality.

Paul knew that the church in Jerusalem was financially challenged.  His desire was to receive offerings for the church in Jerusalem and bring the finances to them.  The church in Macedonia and the church in Corinth were ‘rivals’ endeavoring to out give each other.  Naturally speaking the church in Corinth had more financial resources, but the church in Macedonia was determined to help the financially strapped church in Jerusalem and already had given generously.  Now it was up to the church in Corinth to help as well. This is the case today.  Very often missionaries and churches in other nations have financial challenges.  The American churches usually are in a position to help those overseas (or in impoverished areas of America).  It is a great blessing to be able to bless a missionary or church financially so that they can continue to work the Lord has called them to.  Verse 12 teaches the necessity of having a willing mind to bless others, regardless of the amount you are able to give.  The Lord will see to it that those who have a great desire to bless the work of the Lord financially will have the means to do so.  This verse also teaches that those who bless others financially, if their church is ever in a financial challenge themselves, the Lord Jesus will see to it that other churches will help them.  That is one of the incredible blessings of Christianity, the Body of Christ helping the Body of Christ when there is a need.  The world craves getting finances.  The church craves giving finances.  What a blessing it is to give.