As the children of Israel were preparing to enter the promised land, Moses set before them God’s expectations for them in the land. One of those areas of God’s concern dealt with caring for the poor. “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
It is the very nature of God to give. When it comes to our salvation we read “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever beleveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16; emphasis added). Furthermore, Paul reminds us, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32; emphasis added). In light of his very nature, God desires that his people also be givers; hence, his command to the children of Israel upon entering the land.
Christ understands the plight of the poor. He himself was born into a poor family. Wrapped in “swaddling clothes” at his birth, Mary and Joseph could only afford the poorest of offerings required of every male that openeth the womb, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons (Luke 2:22-24). Our Lord identified readily with the poor. In fact, Solomon teaches us that “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he [the LORD] pay him again” (Proverbs 19:17; emphasis added).
God has a heart of compassion for those who are weak, helpless, and unable to provide for themselves. Moses testified “he [God] doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19).
Those of us who have received of the grace of God through Jesus Christ are bound to tell of the great goodness and mercy of our wonderful God. God would have us to be compassionate, to show mercy, and to give generously of that which he has given us. As ambassadors of Christ and as those representing this great King, others should see the goodness of God through us. It is interesting to note that God told the people “that for this thing [giving to the needs of the poor] the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto” (Deuteronomy 15:10). The Israelites were challenged to give freely knowing that God would bless their labors and meet their needs.
Are you generous with that which God has given you? Solomon warns “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty” (Proverbs 11:24). To this the Psalmist answers “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1). Do others see your God as one that gives?
