For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, since you have also suffered the same things from people of your own country, just as they did from the Jews

so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

The abundance

Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.”

They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.

Their deep

And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little.

He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.

Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?

I know your affliction and poverty, yet you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

The riches

as grieving yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing yet possessing everything.

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.

“There will be no poor among you, however, because the Lord is certain to bless you in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance—

A generous person will be enriched,
and the one who gives a drink of water
will receive water.

A fool will no longer be called a noble,
nor a scoundrel said to be important.

Liberality

For this is our confidence: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with God-given sincerity and purity, not by fleshly wisdom but by God’s grace.

if exhorting, in exhortation;
giving, with generosity;
leading, with diligence;
showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

General references

and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the Lord commanded to be done.”

Honor the Lord with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest;