THE READINGS · III
Receive help without shame when you need it. When able, help sustain that care for others through your time, skills, attention, or resources. Contribution follows capacity.
READING A · Christianity
King James Version.
according to that a man hath
In a discussion of a collection for others, Paul relates giving to what a person has and describes reciprocal provision between abundance and need. He rejects relieving others by placing an excessive burden on those giving.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:12–15 in the source edition · new tabREADING B · Islam
Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran.
The verse relates provision to the means available to the person giving. Its original setting concerns family support following divorce. Applying its principle of capacity to shared work is the Order's interpretation.
Read Qur'an 65:7, read with 65:6 in the source edition · new tabWITHIN THE ORDER
Examine capacity, need, and changing circumstances. Shared care depends on contributions that people can sustain. Neither reading grants the Order an unrestricted claim over a member's possessions or labor.
What can we give without neglecting our own needs and responsibilities?