2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

It is fashionable in some circles to claim that socialism originates in the Bible, pointing to this passage as well as to the practice of the Early Church in Jerusalem. (Acts 4:32-35) However, there is a massive distinction between socialism and Biblical generosity. What we find in the Bible is strictly voluntary, motivated by the convictions of the givers, whereas socialism is government-commanded, motivated by envy and/or greed. One conservative speaker has done an experiment recently on several college campuses, talking with students who espoused socialist ideas and claimed that “the rich” should support “the poor.” He tells them, “OK. That sounds like a good idea. Let’s all go sell our smartphones and donate the money to the local food bank.” They immediately change their tune! Socialism sounds good only to those who will receive stuff, not to those from whom it will be demanded. Christian generosity is based on the conviction that God is our Supply, as in the Hebrew “nickname” for God, Yahweh Yireh, commonly mispronounced as Jehovah Jirah. (Genesis 22:14) Christian generosity is an opportunity to participate in God’s supply chain, and is an even bigger blessing to the giver than it is to the receiver. (Acts 20:35) Being stingy benefits no one, but having “generosity” commanded by government is robbery.

Recently someone in a Facebook group for Missionary Kids asked for reports of miracles, and the response was massive. There were reports of healings and even resurrections, protection and supply. In the reports of supply, the miraculous element was that those doing the supplying had no idea of the need, yet they met it. I have experienced that myself, as well as God multiplying what we had and making things last much longer than they had any reason to. I have also experienced the joy of being an agent of God’s supply to others, with no compulsion other than the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Having tasted that, it’s fairly easy to see through the socialist smokescreen. I’m not to dump on those who are currently deceived by such fine-sounding slogans as, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” Rather, I am to speak the truth in love so that it may penetrate through the fog and set people free. (John 8:32)

Father, thank You for Your abundant supply and for the privilege of being a channel for it at times. Help me hold all things loosely, recognizing that they are Yours and letting You do with them as You desire, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!