Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it. 2 Corinthians 8:24
“When each one receives a little for one’s needs, and when all owners distribute their means simultaneously for the care of the needy, no one will possess more than one’s neighbor. Yet it is plain that you have much land. Where did it come from? Undoubtedly you have subordinated the relief and comfort of many to your convenience. And so, the more you abound in your riches, the more you want in love.”
Basil of Caesarea in Ownership: Early Christian Teaching by Charles Avila (Orbis, 1983).
When we distribute material and spiritual blessings we show love to others.
In this excerpt from Basil, we hear him describe that those who abound in riches are want in love, because to distribute is to demonstrate love in action. The world teaches us that we need money to survive and values possessions over people. Alternatively, Jesus set aside the riches of heaven for us out of love. Likewise, we get to show the proof of our love by our generosity.
What generous giving or serving can you do this week to show God’s love?