4/8

Deuteronomy 15:1,7-8

¹At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.

⁷If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. ⁸Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.

The Jewish faith was intensely practical. Anyone may fall on hard times and need assistance. This was to be a nation where everyone generously helped one another. The Kingdom of God is such a place. If you have extra, your abundance is to share with those who have a need that you both will be blessed. If he can't repay after a period of time, forgive him the debt. Don't hold it against him.

Is it more blessed to give than receive? It is, but only if you can do it with a generous spirit thanking the Lord. The Law put Jews under compulsion to do this, and at many times in Israel's history they disregarded the Law. The Spirit puts us under compulsion too, but asks us to have a willing heart. All we need to do is yield to the Spirit. He will give us a generous heart that is the heart of our Lord.

Is there a person in your fellowship with a need? Lend freely in an openhanded way. Our New Testament faith should be very practical also. The world should see a testimony of how we care for one another. What we do to our brothers and sisters we have done to Christ.

Pray: Lord, give me a generous spirit like yours. Help me desire treasures in heaven more than treasures upon the earth.