Be Openhanded

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. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

There are no excuses for holding back. God opens His hands to us. We are commanded to do the same.

When we offer open-handed help to the poor, God blesses us for our kindness. With His leading, consider how you might extend your own help to those who need it.

You may give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.

Our Daily Bread – December 4, 2012