Deut 14:22-29
God takes care of the poor and He does it through those who are not poor. Charity is an important part of who God calls us to be. According to one commentary I was reading it said, "The purpose of the poor tithe was to teach the salutary doctrine that man's possessions are only truly blessed when he permits others to join with him in their enjoyment. Self-indulgence, without a thought for those in need of assistance, brings no lasting satisfaction; and such a mode of living is without blessing."
We are not to be stingy. We are not to lavish ourselves with riches and enjoy big feasts while our neighbor has no money or food to eat. As we are able we are to give to the poor, and meet the needs of the widowed. I know there are many ministers of the Gospel who live lavish lives and I'm not sure of what to think in regards to their lavishness but I also know that many of them give lavishly as well. They give a lot to the poor but they don't make a big deal of it, therefore, many people do not even know they do it and that is one of the reasons that God continues to bless them. It is unfair to judge them when we are not privy to their private affairs and we don't really know what they are doing and not doing.
There are so many around us in need and we are to do our part however small or large it may be. I personally live on a small Social Security check so I don't have much but I give out of what I have when I have it. I mostly knit a lot of hats and scarves that I give to a neighbor who takes them to his church and during the winter they are given out to the poor children in the schools to keep them warm. I don't have money to give, but I can give that. Initially I used my own yarn from my own stash but then the neighbor started bringing me yarn from the church when they would get it in their thrift shop..so I'm continually kept with a supply of yarn now which in turn I make more hats and scarves. It's not much but it's something. I share that only to show that it does not matter how big or small, what we are able to do we are to do, it is not an option.
When we get together for our Thanksgiving or other holiday celebrations, don't forget the one's who have no family. Holidays are difficult for many people and being alone compounds it. Be charitable. And, if you are the one needing charity, don't be too proud to accept it, refusing what people want to give you. It's God's way of meeting your need. Don't expect and demand from othes and depend on others to meet your needs because it all comes from God. He's the provider and He uses others.
Rom 13:16 And don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God.
God takes care of the poor and He does it through those who are not poor. Charity is an important part of who God calls us to be. According to one commentary I was reading it said, "The purpose of the poor tithe was to teach the salutary doctrine that man's possessions are only truly blessed when he permits others to join with him in their enjoyment. Self-indulgence, without a thought for those in need of assistance, brings no lasting satisfaction; and such a mode of living is without blessing."
We are not to be stingy. We are not to lavish ourselves with riches and enjoy big feasts while our neighbor has no money or food to eat. As we are able we are to give to the poor, and meet the needs of the widowed. I know there are many ministers of the Gospel who live lavish lives and I'm not sure of what to think in regards to their lavishness but I also know that many of them give lavishly as well. They give a lot to the poor but they don't make a big deal of it, therefore, many people do not even know they do it and that is one of the reasons that God continues to bless them. It is unfair to judge them when we are not privy to their private affairs and we don't really know what they are doing and not doing.
There are so many around us in need and we are to do our part however small or large it may be. I personally live on a small Social Security check so I don't have much but I give out of what I have when I have it. I mostly knit a lot of hats and scarves that I give to a neighbor who takes them to his church and during the winter they are given out to the poor children in the schools to keep them warm. I don't have money to give, but I can give that. Initially I used my own yarn from my own stash but then the neighbor started bringing me yarn from the church when they would get it in their thrift shop..so I'm continually kept with a supply of yarn now which in turn I make more hats and scarves. It's not much but it's something. I share that only to show that it does not matter how big or small, what we are able to do we are to do, it is not an option.
When we get together for our Thanksgiving or other holiday celebrations, don't forget the one's who have no family. Holidays are difficult for many people and being alone compounds it. Be charitable. And, if you are the one needing charity, don't be too proud to accept it, refusing what people want to give you. It's God's way of meeting your need. Don't expect and demand from othes and depend on others to meet your needs because it all comes from God. He's the provider and He uses others.
Rom 13:16 And don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God.
