Equality Without Communism

"Though He was rich , yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." 2 Cor 8:9

Through Christ's poverty we not only receive redemption, but we become rich in forgiveness, love, grace, peace, compassion, etc.

"Your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack-that there may be equality." 2 Cor 8:13

I finished studying 2 Corinthians. I've read this verse many times and always think of it in terms of money, but the Holy Spirit keeps it in my mind and I continually meditate and the meaning becomes so much more. It's giving our time to someone who is lacking, by preparing a meal, or babysitting. It's dropping everything to pick someone up when their car breaks down. It's providing a loving, stable home for a child whose parents  can't. It's choosing to be a surrogate for a couple who lacks the ability to be pregnant with their own child. It's helping someone move, use our truck, or fix something in their house. It's giving food out of the abundance of our gardens or giving someone a bag of clothes our kids have outgrown. It's giving our van away because someone needs it. It's providing a calm, listening spirit to someone who is overwhelmed with the direction life has suddenly taken. It's being an encouragement to one who wants to give up. It's being strong for the weak. It's love put into action.

"We have the ability to love because He first loved us."  We build relationships with a listening ear waiting to hear of a need that we can meet. We act out of love because of the abundant grace we receive through Christ and live out a picture of the Gospel without even realizing that's what we're doing.