Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. Proverbs 28:27
God hath threatened to follow with his curse those who are uncharitable to the poor…It is said, he that hideth his eyes, because this is the way of uncharitable men. They hide their eyes from seeing the wants of their neighbor. A charitable person, whose heart disposes him to bounty and liberality, will be quick-sighted to discern the needs of others. They will not be at any difficulty to find out who is in want. They will see objects enough of their charity, let them go whither they will.
But, on the contrary, he that is of a niggardly spirit, so that it goes against the grain to give anything, he will be always at a loss for objects of his charity. Such men excuse themselves with this, that they find not anyone to give to. They hide their eyes, and will not see their neighbor’s wants. If a particular object is presented, they will not very readily see his circumstances. They are a long while in being convinced that he is an object of charity. They hide their eyes. And it is not an easy thing to make them sensible of the necessities and distresses of their neighbor, or at least to convince them, that his necessities are such that they ought to give him any great matter.”
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (1732) section III.V.
Today’s post calls for further self-assessment.
Think of behavior that could be labeled “quick-sighted” to notice the needs around us. Such a person might anticipate and give without direct knowledge of need.
This person says, “That young mom needs a helping hand.” Or “We should think of ways to help that new family who just moved into the neighborhood.”
Conversely, consider the one of “niggardly” spirit, who “excuse themselves” of any responsibility or opportunity to give. And don’t just picture Scrooge in this role.
It marks those who live self-absorbed, insulated lives. They are not “sensible of the necessities and distresses of their neighbor” because they don’t even know their neighbor’s name. This is me sometimes. Perhaps you too?
This post aims not to point fingers but to awaken sleepers. Don’t hide your eyes. Ask God to open them and show you people or ministries to support.