Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Tuesday, August 6, 2013 Read – 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 In our reading for today, Paul points to Jesus as the example for all of us to follow in the use of our wealth. As Jesus was generous in his giving so were the Corinthian Christians to be generous in their giving. It is apparent that the Corinthians have expressed their intention to participate in the collection that Paul is making for the church in Jerusalem – what is needed now is for them to follow through on those intentions. Paul goes on to say something really important for all who follow Jesus to hear – God only expects us to participate in accordance with our own means. Too often Christians compare themselves with others and either justify themselves, or perhaps condemn themselves as unworthy because they are not as able as someone else. God has made each of us to be his own and looks only upon what God has given us. In fact, Paul points back to the OT story of the people of God in the wilderness collecting manna – those who collected much did not have too much and those who collected a little had enough (Exodus 16:18). God is the giver of all and God is not stingy in his giving.