Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Deuteronomy 15:9
”God warns the children of Israel against making of this an objection to helping their poor neighbors, that the year of release was near at hand and it was not likely that they would be able to refund it again before that time, and then they should lose it wholly, because then they would be obliged to release it. God foresaw that the wickedness of their hearts would be very ready to make such an objection, but very strictly warns them against it, that they should not be the more backward to supply the wants of the needy for that, but should be willing to give him. “Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again” (Luke 6:35).
[People] are exceedingly apt to make objections against such duties, which God speaks of here as a manifestation of the wickedness of their hearts: “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart,” etc. The warning is very strict. God doth not only say, Beware that thou do not actually refuse to give him, but, Beware that thou have not one objecting thought against it, arising from a backwardness to liberality. God warns against the beginnings of uncharitableness in the heart, and against whatever tends to a forbearance to give. “And thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.” God warns them from the guilt which they would be liable to bring upon themselves hereby…Another enforcement of this duty is the promise of God, that for this thing He will bless us in all our works, and in all that we put our hands unto, a promise that we shall not lose but gain by it…this is to cut off an excuse that uncharitable persons would be ready to make for not giving, that they could find nobody to give to, that they saw none who needed. God cuts off such an excuse by telling us that He would so order it in His providence that His people everywhere and in all ages shall have occasion for the exercise of that virtue.”
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (Pensacola: Chapel Library, 2022) 4-5. Download the PDF copy here.
We either act with willing hearts or wicked hearts. Ponder that.
Our human tendency is to not act in obedience and not to give. We must understand that the opposite of obedience is wickedness in the eyes of God. We either obey or we don’t.
In love, God spurs us to obedience by making his great and precious promises.
He promises to bless us in all our works. He promises that we will not lose but gain. He does this to cut off excuses. What about you? Is there anything holding you back from your generosity?
The right way is willing and the wrong way is wicked. Choose the path of willing generosity.
And put your trust in the promises of God to bless and resource you for greater generosity. He wants you to be charitable. He sees and will supply your needs.
I’ve returned home. Right away, I am hosting a guest from Costa Rica. When he leaves later today, I will take time for reflection and enrichment.
I am thankful that when we empty ourselves, when we share and bless others, God refills us. He restores us. And He enriches us for continued generosity. That’s where I am am at. Join me.
You only figure this out as you live it out. I want this for you. Please take hold of it.