DEUTERONOMY 15:11
There is no doubt that poverty’s reach is both widespread and devastating today. Poor and vulnerable people bear the brunt of disasters and every economic challenge. Even when measures are taken to help the poor, most times the ‘greedy rich’ enrich themselves first at the detriment of the poor.
Apart from what we may expect the government and any religious or social organisation to do, the Bible highlights the importance of caring for those who are poor, instructing us to be “openhanded” toward them (Deuteronomy 15:11). We might be tempted to turn away our eyes to the predicament of the poor, holding firmly to our belongings, but God still challenges us to recognise that we will always be surrounded by those who have needs and therefore we need to respond to them with generosity, not a “grudging heart.”
Jesus says that in giving to the poor we receive an enduring treasure in heaven (Luke 12:33).
Our generosity may not be recognised by anyone other than God. Yet when we give freely, we not only meet the needs of those around us but we also experience the joy God intends for us in providing for others.
Help us Lord, to have open eyes and open hands to supply the needs of those You place in our paths!
