Giving - The Bible on Money

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.”

Deuteronomy 15:11

What if we all did our part? Would there be any hunger or homelessness or lack? (2 Chronicles 31:10; Deuteronomy 14:28-29) According to Deuteronomy 15:11, the poor will always be among us. Does that mean that is a flaw on their part? Is it because, as a people, we have never been obedient enough to share?

This verse may be interpreted differently by all who read it… But whatever the conclusion any of us comes to, it doesn’t mean we should not give.

Jesus once said “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). There are blessings for those who give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).

It’s interesting. Most people may think “closed mouths don’t get fed” means that, if you don’t speak up, you’ll never be heard; or, if you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it (an increase in pay, a promotion, fair treatment). But this phrase so well relates to the duty of a teacher, provider and defender. Anyone who knows better, having the experience, but does not share this bit of knowledge with the next person who does not know is a closed mouth. Anyone who witnesses injustice on the innocent but does not defend, stand up or speak up for the unfairly persecuted is a closed mouth. Anyone who does not encourage their friends with kind words when they are down is a closed mouth.

When it comes to matters of the heart, we don’t get fed until we feed others first. It says in James 2:15-16 that it is no good to have the resources to give to someone in need, and instead, say, “be warm and filled,” but walk away without giving them what they need. Maybe we walk away because we have more for ourselves if we don’t share. Cutting a whole pie to give half to someone else means less for the person sharing it. Not cutting it at all means you keep the whole thing. However, while you might not have lost any… you also will not gain any, either.

No one can pour into you, if you remain tight-lipped (a closed mouth) about everything. We must share. If you see an opportunity to teach, share your knowledge. Nobody will teach you during the time you need to learn the most, if you don’t first teach. If you have a moment to uplift, share your words of encouragement. Nobody will affirm you, if you don’t first affirm. If you are asked to give and have the means to, share your resources. Nobody will give to you when you are in need, if you don’t first give.

Everybody wants to be around a person who gives (Proverbs 19:6). Reflecting on Jesus’ time on earth, He spent most of His time surrounded by others. When He was just a boy preaching at the temple. When He was sleeping on the boat during a storm and the disciples woke Him. When He feed the 5,000 and the 8,000. When He cast evil spirits out of a woman. When He raised Lazarus from the dead. When He made the blind man see and the man who was crippled walk.

Why so much time with others? Because they knew what He would give them.

Remember, giving isn’t always about money. We can give the gift of Jesus, that is within (Acts 3:2-6). Jesus’ blessings and miracles did not come from His pockets. They came from His healing hands and unbridled heart. He gave His time. He gave a lending ear. He gave words of wisdom. He gave His parables. Hegave healing. He gave mercy and forgiveness. He gave Himself. He gave an example.

Jesus gave with a purpose. He gave most of His time to His disciples. And then most of that time, He gave to three.

So, how should we give? With priority and purpose. We give to God first (Proverbs 3:9). We provide for and give to our families (1 Timothy 5:8; Mark 7:9-13). We give to the people in the ministry and those who teach to support their calling, their work and obedience (Galatians 6:6; Nehemiah 12:47). We give as God puts it on our heart (2 Corinthians 9:7), and we do it at the first opportunity (Ecclesiastes 5:4). We give without recognition, because no one else needs to see our heart but God ().

So, let us walk with an open hand. An open hand that gives to meet a need. An open hand that receives. An open hand that grabs hold of another to walk alongside someone who needs a friend.

Before you go any further in your day, think about how you can give. Do you need to give up your control and let someone else make the decision? There is blessing in stepping back and allowing others to shine. Do you need to give your time to a cause? Do you need to give more than you save? Our security is not in the money we amass. But in Jesus Christ and the Lord, our Provider (1 Timothy 6:17).

Giving - The Bible on Money

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