Daily Devotions
Generosity to the Poor
Generosity to the Poor
Reading for February 4: Leviticus 22-23
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.”
Leviticus 23:22
I try to be careful with money. I like shopping in the clearance aisle and enjoy using coupons whenever possible. I cut the water off while brushing teeth and turn out the lights when leaving a room. I prefer paying with cash over credit, and I like to defer big purchases (like buying a car) until I absolutely have to.
Though I wouldn’t want to impose my personal money management rules on anyone, I certainly believe that being careful with money is a biblical ideal. The Bible is full of exhortations about how to handle wealth (Prov 10:15; 12:27; 13:11, 22; 18:11; 22:7; 29:3).
However, it is important that we be clear about motive. Is our careful money management all about God or about ourselves? Are we frugal with money so we might be more secure or be able to enjoy the good life when we reach retirement? Or are we chiefly motivated by God’s purposes?
The same book of Proverbs that speaks of the importance of being careful with money, has this to say about wealth:
- Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. 19:17
- Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. 22:9
- Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. 28:8
- Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. 28:27
Father, help us to see the poor as you see them. Help us to deal bountifully with them just as you have been bountiful with us.
