09
May '19
Here for You
09
May '19
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. (Deuteronomy 15:11)
On the outskirts of Paris, as in other cities around the globe, people are coming to the aid of the homeless in their communities. Clothing, covered in waterproof bags, is hung on designated fences for those living on the streets to take according to their needs. The bags are labeled, “I’m not lost; I’m for you if you’re cold.” The effort not only warms those without shelter, but also teaches those in the community the importance of assisting the needy among them.
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 avert our eyes to the plight of the poor, holding tightly to our resources instead of sharing them. Yet God challenges us to recognize that we will always be surrounded by those who have needs and therefore to respond to them with generosity, not a “grudging heart” (v. 10). Jesus says that in giving to the poor we receive an enduring treasure in heaven (Luke 12:33).
Our generosity may not be recognized 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!
Are you holding too tightly to your resources? If yes, why? What need can you fill today?
What I love about this devotion is so often people think, well if I only had the money, but what we have to remember is providing for others isn’t just financially, if you don’t have the money but you have time to sow into someone or even just a smile or an encouraging word, do it. We all have something to offer someone in need, even when we don’t even realize it. Generosity displays confidence in God’s loving and faithful provision. Slow down today and take a moment to look around you and see what need you can fill today. Let someone know today that your here for them.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:1-2