Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17
“Hear me, my children. I brought you up in much simplicity and guilelessness and reverence, through the mercy of the Lord, Who instilled righteousness into you, that ye might be justified and sanctified from all wickedness and all crookedness. But ye will not to cease from your wickedness.
Now then hear me and be at peace among yourselves, and have regard one to another, and assist one another, and do not partake of the creatures of God alone in abundance, but share them also with those that are in want.
For some men through their much eating bring weakness on the flesh, and injure their flesh: whereas the flesh of those who have nought to eat is injured by their not having sufficient nourishment, and their body is ruined.
This exclusiveness therefore is hurtful to you that have and do not share with them that are in want.
Look ye to the judgment that cometh. Ye then that have more than enough, seek out them that are hungry, while the tower is still unfinished; for after the tower is finished, ye will desire to do good, and will find no place for it.
Look ye therefore, ye that exult in your wealth, lest they that are in want shall moan, and their moaning shall go up unto the Lord, and ye with your [abundance of good things be shut outside the door of the tower].”
Shepherd of Hermas 3.9.1-6, translated by J.B. Lightfoot. This work is dated to the late late first or early second century and was included in Codex Sinaiticus.
Shepherd of Hermas is one of my favorite writings from the early church. Why do I like it? The language echoes the themes of the Old Testament and the writings of the New Testament.
Here the Shepherd urges us to share with those who are in want and to avoid exclusiveness, which is keeping for yourself what God intended for you to share. Why? It is hurtful to all.
Not sharing is hurtful. And on the contrary we are to seek out those who are hungry who are in need. This means we should not wait for them to cry for help, but always be on the lookout.
The time for giving is now, before the proverbial tower is unfinished. Someday that time will be over. Don’t wait or sit back in exclusiveness. God blessed each of us to be a blessing! Share richly.