devotional post # 2189

2 Corinthians 8:12-15

2Co 8:12 Because if the willingness is there, it is acceptable based on what a person has, not based on what he does not have.
2Co 8:13 Because I do not mean that others should be relieved and you burdened, instead, that as a matter of fairness
2Co 8:14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may later supply your need, that there may be fairness.
2Co 8:15 Like what is written, “Whoever gathered a lot had nothing left over, and whoever gathered a little had no lack.”

helping without hurting

Paul and his team had been tasked with the role of collecting relief funds. He explained to the Corinthians that the goal was simply to balance out things. Other Christians were suffering, and the Corinthians had an excess at the present. The relief funds were not meant to become a standard tax. The collection was not to become a ritual to test the charity of the Corinthians. After all, the Corinthians themselves might need relief someday. Indiscriminate giving can often hurt more than it helps.

LORD, show us how to help others in need without hurting them by creating long-term dependence.