Deuteronomy 15:7–8 (ESV): “7 “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, 8 but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”
Others - this was a focus of Jesus and it ought to be a focus of ours. We are to care for others. That doesn't mean we enable people but we must keep our hearts soft so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need!
The Lord instituted a social program within Israel for the poor. God’s people were to care for those in their land. If a foreigner became indebted to a Jew he was to pay him back in full. If a fellow brother became indebted he was to be released of his obligations at the end of every seven years. The Lord commanded that there ought to be no poor among them. Interestingly, Jesus said, the poor will always be among you. It isn't to say they wouldn’t exist but rather that the people of God should come to their aid and care for them as needed.
How is your heart toward the poor? Are you indifferent or compassionate towards them? Do you seek to help where you can or just turn away? We must keep our hearts soft towards others so we can accomplish God’s will. Do not harden your heart, Christian. We are not under the civil law of Israel but we are to care for the poor. Keep your your soft so you can do so.
Father, we thank You for lending to us when we were poor in Spirit. May we reflect Your benevolent heart and care for others as You have cared for us we pray in Jesus name, amen.
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