M-W-F Bible study: 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. -- Matthew Henry

This sentence in the commentary really stands out in my mind. And I believe this not only applies to financial wealth, but the "wealth" of our bodies' energies. I did volunteer work again this past weekend, washing dishes and serving at a charity tea. Most of the women with whom I volunteer are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. It's clear that I have a lot more energy than these women, simply by being several decades younger. So, it occurred to me, it is only right that my daughters and I should accomplish more work, and work more hours, than any of these other ladies, as we have the abundance of energy at this age in our lives. We're blessed with the ability to be on our feet and hard at work for 5-6 hours, at this time in our lives. To work beneath our physical abilities would mean additional burden would be placed on the ladies who have less energy.

And so it is with financial means. If I live in the lap of luxury, without consideration for my neighbor, who has less, I am enjoying luxury at his expense. It matters not that I've been blessed with abilities to increase financial wealth, while my neighbor squanders what little he has. The fact is I still have been blessed.

10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."  (the following is from Matthew Henry's Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)

"Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them."