Verse of the Day 6/27

Verse of the Day 6/27       

 

2 Corinthians 8:13-14 (ESV) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness ¹⁴ your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.

There has been a lot of talk recently in the media and in the political sphere about "fairness" and people "paying their fair share".  As I read this verse this morning I thought that they gave some biblical perspective on the subject.

 

First of all it is talking about needs, necessities.  It is about giving and not about taking.

 

John MacArthur comments regarding "fairness" as mentioned here, "This Greek word gives us the English word isostasy which refers to a condition of equilibrium.  Thus the term could also be translated as balance or equilibrium.  The idea is that in the body of Christ some believers who have more than they need should help those who have far less than they need."

 

Both sides of the "aisle" can learn something from this.  It is not talking about perpetual hand outs but supplying in time of need.  Think of it as helping someone gain their balance or equilibrium, to get back on their feet so that when someone else is in time of need, due to illness, job loss or other circumstance you may help those who have helped you.

 

May we be ready, prepared to give in times of need so that if and when we find ourselves in need, we may find help from others.  May we see the hand of God in all of it.

 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

2 Corinthians 8:11-15 (NLT)

¹¹ Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. ¹² Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have. ¹³ Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. ¹⁴ Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. ¹⁵ As the Scriptures say,

"Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,
    and those who gathered only a little had enough."