Day 68 - The Will to Give and be Generous

Jun 25, 20232 min read

Do you have the will to give to others?

But it is right for you to give to him, without grief of heart: for because of this, the blessing of the Lord your God will be on all your work and on everything to which you put your hand. For there will never be a time when there are no poor in the land; and so I give orders to you, Let your hand be open to your countrymen, to those who are poor and in need in your land. (Deuteronomy 15.10-11 Bible in Basic English (BBE))

Moses continued to educate Israel for some days to prepare them to enter the promised land. It seems as if there was much trepidation that Israel would find it difficult to follow the law. Israel had proven that human temptation was a difficulty in the past. But Moses and God believed in their infinite potential.

During these conversations, Moses addressed giving to others. He encouraged them to give generously, without hesitation. That we are to recognize who has a need and help them.

We are called to be generous people when we are of the Lord. Generous, the word that is so broad and applies to so many actions we can take. We can be generous with our love, never meet a stranger and extend true care to family and friends. We can be generous with our things, giving them to those in need when we realize the need exists. Generosity with our finances helps ensure others can put a roof over their head or a meal on the table. Generous with time where we help someone learn something they would not know without support. Generous is a special word that brings responsibility, yet that responsibility delivers such joy to the giver. You can receive much more than you give when your sacrifice is someone else's gift.

Take care to keep open house: because in this way some have had angels as their guests, without being conscious of it. Keep in mind those who are in chains, as if you were chained with them, and those who are in trouble, as being yourselves in the body. (Hebrews 13.2-3 Bible in Basic English (BBE))

Prayer:

Majestic Lord, I am rich with the blessings in my life. Not necessarily wealthy, but rich in the gifts of love I find with people I help. I want to have the will to give to others. To be generous without expecting anything in return. If there is a reward, I am grateful, but I need your support to remember I can share and give, and no harm will come my way with the action. Make me less self-interested and more other-people-oriented. With your love, I will look for more opportunities to be generous with all I am and have. Amen.