2 Corinthians 8:13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack–that there may be equality.

While this COVID19 pandemic is worldwide; it impacts each of us differently.  Try talking to people outside of your immediate circle and see just how much it has impacted them.  Many people have been infected; some have symptoms, some are asymptomatic and yet over 1100 people have died directly from the virus.  However, a majority of the people have not come in contact with the virus, but because of it’s impact, people have lost their jobs; had to close down their business; or even lost millions in the stock market.  There are many like me, that have not had any of the above happen, yet have been told to stay inside; limit contact with the outside world; and even to work from home in an effort to “flatten the curve.”  Whatever your situation, COVID19 has most likely impacted your life.  After all the Bible reminds us, “it rains on the just and the unjust; Matt 5:45.”

What does that have to do with 2^nd Corinthians??  Well many of us live in abundance.  Yes, I said abundance.  Its kind of funny because many of us don’t know what abundance really is.  Webster’s calls it “a very large quantity of something.”  Yet, to have an abundance of something is to have more than you need.  Notice that word need.  We often mix that word need up with the word want.  So, the definition becomes having more that what you want.  The sad thing is those two points on a graph are way too far apart.  We must focus on our needs and not our wants during this time.  I’ve easily become an example of this; as my wife and I rushed to the store after returning from vacation.  Only to find the world was slowly shutting down due to the virus.  While my wife rummaged thru the empty shelves looking for our necessities, I managed to pick up a few things that I just flat out wanted.  She looked at me and said “Really??  That is not a need.”  She was right.  Paul, in 2^nd Corinthians lays it out in a pretty simple way, that we all should understand.

1. God Does Not Want to Take From You: 2 Corinthians 8:13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality… God never meant for any of us to be in lack.  The reason there was a shortage of paper towels, toilet paper, sanitizer and wipes, was because many felt that others would take what they needed if they didn’t immediately get (way more than) enough for themselves.  That mentality has never been God’s; He shall supply all our needs (Phil 4:19).  God is the supplier, not us and He will always give us what we need.
2. God Wants to Use You to Help Others: 2 Corinthians 8:13… that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack… Why don’t they have what they need?? That’s Easy: Because God wants us to give it to them!! God wants to bless His people, and the best way for Him to do that with the greatest impact, is to show off His hand and feet; the Church.  We are God in action; but only when we are acting in His Grace and Love.  The Church was built to serve the hurting, so that they might find comfort in the God that the Church serves.  You’ve got it… so give it like God calls you to do.  Why??? Because He Said So!!  Because He loves and cares for Us!!  He wants others to know of His love for themselves.  Finally, Because He wants to give us even more!!  Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  When we Give, it opens us up for Overflow…
3. God Wants Us to See People: 2 Corinthians 8:13… that there may be equality. … God really sees people. He sees everything about them and more importantly, He sees each of us the same.  We are all equal in His eyes.  People are the ones with the class systems and the celebrity mindsets.  We have placed people of pedestals based on accomplishments, money and popularity.  The funny thing is even with how high and low we place people in our sight; God in His Massive Glory sees us all on the same level.  When we see people the way God sees people; we will want to help everybody…because they look just like ME.