He gave as an 8 second example of sharing one's faith. (2 Corinthians 8:9) Cole has a way of cutting to the chase. He is a master in the fine art of making a point. I on the other hand, ramble around with a plethora of words--struggling to pare it down or pitch it out. Not just with words but with everything.
Poverty is not just an economic state---it is also a social factor. It can be relationally distancing---even isolating. The "poor" can be exploited and easily taken advantage of. God's will is to close those relational differences by drawing near to God in order to draw near to others.
These "poor" ones in our society are often seen as having nothing to offer. How relationally demeaning that is!!
Yet, the passage from 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 emphasized those Christians who gave from the "muscle" of their means---NOT their fat, because there was none. "Their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality." (8:2) They gracefully gave out of their own lack!
A Shared Cuppa |
Now there's a truth to savor on this Monday, Monday.....
Monday, Monday, so good to meMonday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be (Mamas and the Papas)
...because the truth of this passage began to sink in and just like the "Grinch" I felt like my "heart grew three sizes that day." (Dr. Seuss)