“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11) Israel was getting ready to occupy their promised land, but the Lord knew they first needed a few reminders and these words were included. They continue to echo to this very day.
“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11) Israel was getting ready to occupy their promised land, but the Lord knew they first needed a few reminders and these words were included. They continue to echo to this very day.
My dear old ma would say, “There will always be people who have more than you and also people who have less.” We can look around now wherever we are and see folks of every economic state. Is there more that we should do besides feel sorry for them and pray? The Bible clearly says there is. And it doesn’t take much to help out our neighbors without grand gestures or six-figure checks - just simple things. Let’s look at some.
How many of our closets have jackets and coats we haven’t worn in a while? Donate them to a homeless shelter or to a clothing bank. If you don’t know where one is, ask around or Google it. Chances are, if you’re persistent enough, you’ll find something. Is there a food pantry where you live? They can always use volunteers and donations, whether of food or finances. If you’re especially motivated, you can always start a soup kitchen that will serve a hot meal daily, weekly, or whenever. Begin a blanket drive at your place of worship, then put them directly in the hands of those who know where they should go. Or even start at home - bake a few cookies and hand them off to that family down the street that seems to be struggling.
If you think “there really aren’t homeless where I live,” you’d better think again. Talk to the police. They know all about them. And if you believe there aren’t families destitute for help, talk to teachers of kindergarteners and first-graders. Those little ones tell their teachers a lot more than the parents would like!
The point is this: There are poor, regardless of the reasons, who might come to know Jesus if they see His face in you. Open your heart There, but for the grace of God, go you and I. Then open your hand.
