For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ — Deuteronomy 15:11
God loves everyone, which includes the needy and the poor who have little to nothing. He cares for their well-being and wants us to be compassionate toward them. He wants to bless them through those who have to give. So open your hand wide to the poor and the needy in your land, that is, those in your sphere… open your hand wide to your brother and sister… open your hand wide to your neighbor.
Do not give only to those you expect to receive something in return. Jesus said, “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.” (Luke 6:34) But as believers in Christ, we are to give, hoping for nothing in return; and our reward will be great and we will be sons of the Most High God. “For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore [we are to] be merciful, just as… [our] Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:35b-36) We are to love!
We are a needful people and sometimes we don’t even know it — Jesus knew that we needed a Savior, even though we did not know it. So He opened His hands wide and gave Himself as a sacrifice for everyone. He is the greatest example of a giver, expecting nothing in return. When we believe in what He did on the cross for us and receive Him as Savior, our hearts become alive, filled with His love and compassion for others. We will find ourselves giving to the poor and needy effortlessly. It takes Jesus to make us givers.
Today, ask Jesus to come and live your heart. Ask Him to make you more like Him, a giver to the poor and needy.
Open your hand wide to your brother, the poor and the needy in your land
Meditate on…
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ — Deuteronomy 15:11 NKJV
SONG: Follow You by Leeland
