Deuteronomy 15: 7-8 - If anyone is poor among your
fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God
is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend
them whatever they need.
Moses had much to say about debt and debtors. God had given
them a way to prevent anyone from being burdened forever with a large debt. They
were to forgive any debtors after 7 years….and not consider how close they were
to the 7th year mark when they gave to each other. This way the poor would always be taken care
of within their camps. More important in
this message is the mandate to be completely compassionate and generous toward
anyone who was in need.
This is one command of God that was not dissolved when Jesus
came to fulfill the law. Galatians 6 starts out with the same thoughts...and the
summary verse 10 says… “ Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong
to the family of believers.” Jesus
even modeled for us how to do this…healing….feeding the thousands that came to
hear him teach…and ultimately giving his life to redeem all of us from the death sin demands.
I needed the reminder that giving to others should be a very
important part of who I show to the world. I need to listen very carefully to
who and where God wants me to use the resources he has placed in my hands. My
giving should be willing…even passionate…with no thoughts of when I will receive
it back…or what blessing I may receive because I was obedient.
Father…thank you for the reminder that I am called to give
to others. Forgive me for the times that I have not been generous or held back
my resources from doubt or fear that I would not get anything back. Help me to
listen to your still small voice inside my heart…so I can hear clearly the ones
you need me to help. Amen.
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