St Paul is very much like a modern clergyman when asking for donations; there is within his words a subtle challenge to do better than other congregations. St Paul himself had nothing that was his own for everything was in Christ. Christ had nothing although his wealth was that of our total universe he has emptied himself and taken on nothing more than our humanity. We must love, pray for the best to happen for all mankind. We must not categorise people as friends or enemies. We must look at each person we meet and see in them the image of Jesus. We are all saved by the same Sacrifice.

Other people may not see us in the same way. For others we are the "haves" or "have nots"; not only in wealth but also in talents, physical appearance. Sometimes they express their disgust at us by words spoken or spread via this technology that I am using. These are the ones we must love not to anticipate change in them or reward from the Father but that is the simple yet perfect rule for our lives. A rule that is pure gift, grace that overflows from the love of the Trinity.

                                            I have just written this but can I live it?

Dear Lord help me to understand the words of long ago and find in them the  living faith in the Father that you showed us by your short time on earth. Help me to put God before all but also know that each person is the same as myself and not to be harmed in any way.