Who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5
“Respecting, imparting, and communicating, though much might be said, let it suffice to remark that the law prohibits a brother from taking usury: designating as a brother not only him who is born of the same parents, but also one of the same race and sentiments, and a participator in the same word; deeming it right not to take usury for money, but with open hands and heart to bestow on those who need.”
Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215) in “Chapter XVIII — The Mosaic Law the fountain of all ethics, and the source from which the Greeks drew theirs” of The Stromata, or Miscellanies, Book 2.
I am staying in the Central business district of Hong Kong. I shot the header photo from the top floor of the hotel toward the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
Usury or “lending money at interest” is common practice in banking here. Hong Kong is known as an international finance center where (as one study showed in 2022) 276,200 people serve in finance jobs here (that’s 7.5% of total employment).
So, in this setting, talking about generosity and helping others appears as radically countercultural. Clement aptly sums up what God desires of us: “respecting, imparting, and communicating,”
This appears as otherworldly behavior that strengthens our witness. And today’s Scripture reminds us that if we do this we will never be shaken.
On this note, please pray for me. When you get this post which goes out at 7:00am Denver time, I will be in bed in Hong Kong at 10:00pm. When I get up I will preach Sunday morning at ECC Hong Kong. My message is entitled: “Growing Christian Generosity in TST Ten Steps Together.”
Pray for God to open their hands and their hearts. This is my prayer today for the church and everyone reading this. Reply if you want a copy of my sermon notes and a link to the sermon when it becomes available. Thanks.
And I appreciate your prayers for Spirit-led teaching and receptive hearts.