Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Leviticus 25:35
“This duty is absolutely commanded, and much insisted on, in the Word of God. Where have we any command in the Bible laid down in stronger terms, and in a more peremptory urgent manner, than the command of giving to the poor? We have the same law in a positive manner laid down in Leviticus 25:35. . .
It is mentioned in Scripture, not only as a duty, but a great duty. Indeed it is generally acknowledged to be a duty, to be kind to the needy. But by many it seems not to be looked upon as a duty of great importance. However, it is mentioned in Scripture as one of the greater and more essential duties. . .
It is most reasonable, considering the general state and nature of mankind. This is such as renders it most reasonable that we should love our neighbor as ourselves; for men are made in the image of our God, and on this account are worthy of our love.
A selfish spirit is very unsuitable to the nature and state of mankind. He who is all for himself, and none for his neighbors, deserves to be cut off from the benefit of human society, and to be turned out among wild beasts, to subsist by himself as well as he can. A private niggardly spirit is more suitable for wolves, and other beasts of prey, than for human beings.
To love our neighbor as ourselves is the sum of the moral law respecting our fellow creatures. And to help them, and to contribute to their relief is the most natural expression of this love. It is vain to pretend to a spirit of love to our neighbors, when it is grievous to us to part with anything for their help, when under calamity. . .
Apply these things to yourselves. And inquire whether you do not lie under guilt on account of the neglect of this duty, in withholding that charity which God requires of you towards the needy? You have often been put upon examining yourselves, whether you do not live in some way displeasing to God.”
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in “Of the obligation of Christians to perform the duty of charity to the poor” in Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (1732).
Visiting my parents has me thinking about my own duty as a son to care for my parents. It also makes me think of the larger duty we all have as disciples of Jesus to those needing help. A key to discerning our duty can be found in the word ‘destitute’ in today’s Scripture.
God does not want us to give handouts that create dependency. He wants us to give a hand up to those who need it, when they need it. Notice in the text, the person cannot make it on their own. They need some help. We might say in modern terms, they need a helping hand.
Notice that Edwards, who never minces his words (or never speaks indirectly), calls the person who does not do this duty as possessing a “private niggardly spirit” that is “more suitable for wolves, and other beasts of prey, than for human beings.” Examine your heart along those lines.
At the end of the proverbial day, God sees and knows all. Our job is not to go with the flow as the flow of culture will move us toward that selfish spirit and stinginess and away from Christian duty and caring. With Edwards, let us examine ourselves and do our duty in 2025.