Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 8:13-17
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 8:14 (NKJV) 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.
Abundance and lack.
Abundance is the goal. Always to have an abundance. Why? Just for abundance sake, really. We always want more than we can use in case we need it in the future.
Lack, on the other hand, we avoid at all cost. If I have a lack, without an abundance stored up, I’m in trouble. The other thing we don’t like about lack, it makes me look bad.
In our accounting system abundance is good and lack is bad. Abundance is prestigious. Lack is a problem.
What if both abundance and lack are God-given and God-used? Both abundance and lack together open the door to reliance and generosity.
Maybe my abundance and another’s lack is orchestrated by God to allow me to exercise giving? Perhaps their lack is not to be despised but to be welcomed as my golden opportunity.
And maybe my own lack is also a golden opportunity to rely on others. There is nothing more pride-crushing than leaning on someone else in a time of need. God is able to use lack just as much as abundance in my character development.
Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “Go, sell all you have (abundance) and give to the poor (lack)”. Jesus said, “the poor you will have with you always”. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” How could any of this be true if it weren’t for abundance and lack?
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Father, You give to us abundance and lack. Help me to learn and draw closer to You in my abundance and in my lack. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 8:18-24