The ETCetera column occasionally invites guest writers. Our guest today is from selections of the 8th and 9th chapters of II Corinthians by St. Paul. He originally wanted the Corinthians to support the early church but it applies today.

We want you to know brothers, of the grace of God that has been given to the churches. The abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in wealth and generosity on their part.

For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And I am giving this counsel in this matter, for it is appropriate for you who began not only to act but to act willingly last year: complete it now, so that eager willingness may be matched by your completion of it out of what you have.

For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.

Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He scatters abroad and gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

You are being enriched in every way for all your generosity, which throughus produces thanksgiving to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. Through the evidence of this service, you are glorifying God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution to them and to all others, while in prayer on your behalf they long for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!