May 2, 2016

2 Corinthians 8:12  For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

I think one of the reasons I am a Christian is that, like in the verse above, Christianity teaches that God wants what I have to give. We’ve probably all had the heartbreak of a girlfriend or boyfriend letting us know that while we might want to give ourselves to them, they just weren’t interested. Some might have gotten that message from their parents or other valued adult. We might get it regarding our jobs or even, unfortunately, a church. In the above verse Paul is challenging these folks to give of their material means, money. I dare say, most of society does not think I have enough money to be considered influential. Most of us don’t. Paul says that’s not the point. God values what I have to give. It will not be ridiculed or turned away. I will not be demeaned or compared and found wanting. Whatever my contribution may seem to the rest of the world, to God it is acceptable, be it money, energy, time, whatever. Christ sanctifies the giver and therefor the gift- it and we become holy. This week, think about what you would like to give.