For our sake He was made poor.

2Co 8:8  I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 

2Co 8:9  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 

2Co 8:10  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 

2Co 8:11  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 

2Co 8:12  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 

2Co 8:13  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 

2Co 8:14  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 

2Co 8:15  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 

This isn't a commandment it's a testimony to love's sincerity.

Truly a lot of people believe communes, and any society whose political bent is towards equality towards all is wrong. Ideas of dictators spring up, and leaders who are corrupt and only want more power for themselves fill us we aversions and rightly so. This world has been run by many corrupt leaders- kings, presidents, dictators, prime ministers, queens etc.  We know cruelty and abuse of power so well. The rich do seem to get richer and the poor do seem to get poorer.

This message- this testimony to love's sincerity talks about our abundance supplying another's need, and our needs being supplied by another's abundance.  This is truly love realized on the highest level isn't it? 

Our selfishness prevents us from supplying, and prevents others from supplying as well - while people live in want. When we are wanting we are so thankful for the supply when it comes to us.  Where is the harm in being gracious and giving, in supplying and taking?  This is life isn't it? Helping our fellow man whenever we can, yet all too often we stop helping- we draw a line in the sand of our generosity so we do not live in the poverty we are trying to alleviate.  So many lines are drawn and yet, we placate ourselves for what we do, telling ourselves we did enough, or at least we did something.  How do we know when it is enough?

Love's testimony. 

May God help us to know and do His will in giving and in receiving and keep us from evil's grasp in all things.

All through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, now and forever!!!!!!!!