“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:11
The Forgotten Focus
One of the often forgotten focuses of Lent is giving to others. When I think of Lent, I think of fasting and prayer first. Preparing for Easter. Repentance of sin.
Hmmm…what was that other one?
Oh, yeah! Giving to others.
That’s kind of how it goes in my head.
The Importance of Giving
Giving is just as important as those other areas of focus. The reason it is so important is that it is a central part of who God Himself is.
God gives to us all that we have. He is generous to all.
God set an incredible example for us in the area of giving.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
He did not spare His Son
He did not spare his own Son. Just take a moment and reflect on what that really means. God loves us so much. So much that when it came to a choice between His Son and us, He freely gave His Son that we might be saved for all eternity.
And, because He was willing to give up His Son, He also will graciously give us all things. All. The. Things. All the things we have or will ever have are the gifts of God. Freely given from a generous God.
Plenty of Giving Opportunities
Our bible reading today says that there will always be poor in the land. Isn’t that true?
There will always be someone in need. It may be in need of money, food, a kind word, or a helping hand.
Open Wide Your Hands
When we see need, we are instructed to open wide our hands, giving with the generosity of God to the people He created.
Earlier in Deuteronomy 15, we are cautioned to not harden our hearts. To not shut our hands against the poor.
You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. Deuteronomy 15:10
We are to give with an open heart and open hands. When we do, God will bless us. Our work will be blessed. God gives to those who give so we can give more generously.
Action Step:
Our Focus today is GIVING TO OTHERS!
Giving to Others: Offering our money, time, or talents to help those in need. Finding some way to enrich the lives of others and think of other people rather than yourself.
Be on the lookout today for someone in need. How can you help someone in your family, your neighborhood, your work, your church, etc.?
Is there a way you can make someone’s life better with your time, talent, or money?
Take action right away. Give generously today.
Prayer:
Dear God, we are overwhelmed by Your generosity. You did not even withhold Your only Son from us. Wow! What a gift! You give us all that we need and more. Help us to be generous to others. Reveal to us opportunities to give to others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
