Jonathan Edwards: Heart and Hand

If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be. Be careful that you do not entertain a mean thought, thinking, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and therefore view your needy neighbor with hostility and give nothing; your neighbor might cry to the LORD against you, and you would incur guilt. Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:7-11

“God gives us direction how we are to give in such a case, bountifully, and willingly. We should give bountifully, and sufficiently for the supply of the poor’s need. “Thou shalt not shut up thine hand from thy poor brother; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” And again, “Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” Again, we should give willingly and without grudging. “Thou shalt not harden thine heart from thy poor brother,” and “thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest him.” We may also observe how peremptorily this duty is here enjoined, and how much it is insisted on. It is repeated over and over again, and enjoined in the strongest terms. “Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother. But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him. Thou shalt surely give him. I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy.”

Moreover, God strictly warns against objections, “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought, and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee.” The matter concerning the seventh year, or year of release, was thus: God had given Israel a law, that every seventh year should be a year of release; that if any man had lent anything to any of his poor neighbors, if the latter had not been able to repay it before that year, the former should release it, and should not exact it of his neighbor, but give it to him. Therefore 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. “Thou shalt be willing to lend, expecting nothing again.”

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (1732).

Notice how explicit God speaks in the Deuteronomic Law to be sure His people follow His ways. He wants soft hearts that give willingly and open hands that give bountifully without hesitation or objection.

What is the condition of your heart? Soft, hard, or somewhere in between? And your hands? Open, closed, or in the middle?

Our last two days in the Philippines have been spent with dear friends with open hands and willing hearts: Anjji and Lyn Gabriel and Joey and Ruthie Marasigan. Let me tell you about them and the impact they have. These two couples have received biblical teaching and practical tools from me and GTP for years and applied them in their setting. At least four forms of impact have surfaced as a result.

(1) Anjji and Lyn help ministries follow standards for accountability and building trust across the Philippines. (2) All four of them receive biblical teaching, put it to practice, and share it widely to bless others. (3) The ministry led by Joey and Ruthie, Manna from Heaven Center, gets 100% of support from local giving. And (4) after Gary had labored in Manila and Jenni with them in Cavite, they asked only to bless us with food, fellowship, rest, and margin to dream. It was priceless time together.

So, their impact is local sustainability and regional generosity strengthened by national accountability, which opens the door for international possibility. What do I mean? Let me explain.

Their hearts are for their needy neighbors and ordinary ministries. Specifically, they care about the ministry needing structure, the rural starving pastor living on a dollar a day, the millions of struggling worker just trying to make a living, and those with severe challenges or limitations.

So we celebrated their local progress, dreamed of regional ideas, and discussed a vision for collaboration in 2024. We will share more on that later. But for now, with these people we anticipate that God will do something big.

And, at the end of our time, we released a message delivering pigeon asking the Holy Spirit to go before us (pictured above). When it made it to its home, we had confidence that God will complete the work He has started in and through us.

Look for us to collaborate to serve the needy neighbors, rural pastors, and struggling stewards in 2024 in ways that can be replicated in other cultures. And open your hand by giving to GTP so that we have the resources to do this with Manna from Heaven Center. Click here to give. Thanks.

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

“The duty here enjoined, is giving to the poor. “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: — Thou shalt surely give him.” Here by thy poor brother is to be understood the same as in other places is meant by neighbor. It is explained in Lev. 25:35 to mean not only those of their own nation, but even strangers and sojourners. “And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner.” The Pharisees indeed interpreted it to signify only one of their own nation. But Christ condemns this interpretation, Luke 10:29, etc. and teaches, in contradiction to their opinion, that the rules of charity, in the law of Moses, are to be extended to the Samaritans, who were not of their nation, and between whom and the Jews there was the most bitter enmity, and who were a people very troublesome to the Jews.”

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in Christian Charity (1732).

At the Global Generosity Forum, I got a copy of this little book, and It’s fantastic.

In the opening part of his argument, we find these words, reminding Christians to show charity toward others in difficult conditions. And he brings out the categories of strangers, sojourners, and Samaritans.

We could easily smile and nod and act as though our lives comply readily with this injunction. But do we?

Strangers represent people unknown to us. They might be different or may be like us. We tend to avoid these people because of our fear of the unknown.

Sojourners tend to come from different places. They often wear different clothes and follow cultural patterns that may be unfamiliar to us. We tend to flock with more familiar people.

Samaritans represent people with more than diverse background from us, but a people with whom we have history of racial strife. We often judge or label these people based on collective or past sins.

So now, I ask again. Do we show charity to Strangers, Sojourners, and Samaritans? Who might these people be today in our settings? As I work with people of different cultures, I find it hard sometimes.

But when we follow the biblical pattern of Jesus, we not only move out of our comfort zone, we find blessing. I am so thankful to work with people who are not like me to learn and grow together.

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:8-10

“Given the moral ambiguities and the challenges of this world, intelligence is demanded of the people of God’s realm. What would “street smarts” such as that displayed by the business manager look like, when translated into the values of God’s reign? Luke’s audience leans forward to listen closely for an answer…

Picking up the image of reciprocity and friend-making, Jesus urges his audience of disciples “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails, others may receive you into eternal tents.” Wealth is potentially corrupting and corrosive, yet it can be a means to the accomplishment of good.

Although money and material possessions do not endure, appropriate use of such resources can win one lasting friends… The reciprocal exchange expected by the manager through his debt-reduction scheme takes the form of hospitality, a welcome into the households of the debtors who benefit from his benefaction…

But how may one use unrighteous money and property to make friends that secure eternal homes? Precisely by reducing the debt burden of and sharing economic resources with those who cannot reciprocate. Assured of a place in the divine realm, they will become lasting friends to those who share resources generously with them.”

John T. Carroll in Luke: A Commentary (The New Testament Library; Louisville: WJKP, 2012) 326-328.

It’s been a full week in Manila. I’ve had the privilege of engaging with our board, staff, and regional facilitators in a manner that has strengthened our resolve for global collaboration.

Since it was the first ever time the staff all got together, pictured above, I also believe our teamwork will move to new heights. We live and serve in 10 countries and now with deeper relationships we envision how we will work together more efficiently and effectively in the days ahead.

That brings “street smarts” into view. As today marks the last day the staff will be together for a long time, it’s fun to watch the staff strategize how to work more shrewdly. Join us in this.

Share economic resources with GTP today by making a gift here. From left to right in the picture, your gift will make friends and have this impact for eternity.

You will deploy Prakash (Nepal) to do onsite program work to strengthen gospel ministry in South Asia while also building on demand courses for stewards to grow in their practice of governance, administration, and raising local funds.

You will enable Trevor (Hong Kong / Canada) to oversee GTP operations, manage the global staff, and expand our reach to the Chinese diaspora worldwide. He and I will do program work in Hong Kong and Beijing in January.

You will empower Ereny (Egypt) to serve the training team and inspire GTP-trained trainers all over the world to multiply stewards who follow standards to help ministries flourish with sustainability.

You will send Jon (Malaysia) to do trainings onsite in countries to serve the persecuted church and unreached peoples. Last year he opened Laos and Cambodia for GTP but that was only the beginning.

You will encourage Paula (Guatemala) who has responded to unfathomable global demand and regional interest in GTP programs. We are praying for grant to add another Spanish speaker to expand work in Latin America and the Caribbean.

You will bless me (USA) and join in with the collective vision of faithful stewardship and peer accountability growing local giving in every nation. I believe it will happen in my lifetime with your ongoing partnership.

You will lift up Ruthie (Philippines) who oversees partnership and communications work and helps connect tools with over 6,800 workers in 129 countries and counting.

You will affirm Matthew (Australia) as he stewards our financial resources, manages legal affairs, and helps us maximize the reach and impact of each dollar we receive from individuals and foundations.

You will mobilize Gabrielle (South Africa) as she trains in places like Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda to build up stewards and strengthen gospel ministry with standards so more people come to know and grow in Christ.

You will activate Samuel (Rwanda) who will soon implement a social media strategic to spread the resources it took four years to develop to tens of thousands of people.

Please, click here to make a gift to GTP today. Make friends with our team and the countless people they touch who you will only meet when you get to your eternal tent.

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9

“Point of view is important in these closing verses. The master commends the manager for his shrewdness, while the narrator of the parable, Jesus, identifies the manager as “dishonest.” That is, the master does not commend his manager for his dishonesty, but for his prudence in business affairs…

“Children of this age,” he observes, understand how the world works and use it to their benefit; why do “children of the light” not understand the ways of the kingdom of God? “This age” draws on the characterization of time divided into two aeons, the present epoch and the one to come. Collocated with “their own generation,” this age is implicated with faithlessness and wickedness…

If they did understand the ways of the new aeon, how would it be manifest in their practices? Simply put, they would use “dishonest wealth” to “make friends” in order that they might be welcomed “into eternal homes.” Wealth is characterized as dishonest in the same way that the manager was. Both belong to this aeon; indeed, in speaking of its demise, Jesus insinuates that mammon has no place in the age to come.”

Joel B. Green in The Gospel of Luke (NICNT; Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 1997) 593.

I want to honor my mom today. It’s her birthday. And for as long as I can remember, she’s used any worldly wealth she has to make friends for eternity. What about you?

This is not a trick question. It’s an open book test. The book is the Bible and the test relates to our handling of possessions. Will we used it for earthly or eternal purposes?

Happy birthday Mom! Thanks for your example that mammon must have “no place” in our lives now as it has no place in the life to come. Thanks for living for eternity. I love you.

Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. Romans 15:25-27

“The purpose of the collection that Paul gives here is twofold, material and spiritual. It supplies the needs of the saints and abounds in thanksgivings offered to God. Their gift is not just a service for the poor, it is a service to God because of the thanksgiving that will redound to God’s glory. The recipients of their gifts cannot help but lift their voices in thanksgiving to God.”

David E. Garland in 2 Corinthians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 29) (The New American Commentary) 413.

When giving happens there are spiritual and material implications. Praise goes up to God and the giver credits the gift to their heavenly account as it goes to God. We don’t understand how it happens, but God says it happens. Simultaneously, real needs are met and real ministry happens.

So, the next time you think about giving to your church, GTP, or some other organization, remember this. There are material and spiritual implications. And you don’t become empty in giving, but enriched, now and for eternity. And God, not you, becomes the focus of all praise.

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9:13

“The proof of this ministry recalls Paul’s description of the Macedonians in 8:2. They proved themselves in severe affliction. God does not always test us through affliction. Some of the most difficult tests come when we must prove ourselves obedient to God in times of relative prosperity. If the Corinthians follow through generously on their commitment to this ministry, they will have passed this test. Their obedience will also bring glory to God from the recipients as they praise God for it.”

David E. Garland in 2 Corinthians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 29) (The New American Commentary) 413.

The proof for Paul related to follow through. The Corinthian participation in the collection, like the Macedonians, would show evidence or proof of their faith, their commitment, their obedience.

Yesterday was the Generosity Summit sponsored by the Christian Stewardship Association (Philippines) and attended by about 130+ people from across the Philippines and around the world (pictured above).

It was a privilege to speak, but more than that, to learn from other international and national speakers. Among them, the chair of the board of CSA spoke of our stewardship of time, talent, treasure, and testimony.

I had never heard that last word as included as part of stewardship and I loved it. We must steward generously our testimony. It’s our proclamation of the gospel and how God’s gracious generosity to each of us.

And proof is connected to our testimony. When we follow through in living generously and testifying to God’s faithfulness, we meet needs and discover experientially, that those who trust God are not disappointed.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12

“Paul now explains why “generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” “This service that you perform” translates the Greek phrase “the ministry of service.” The ministry is the same word used in the “service for the saints,” but here it refers to the rendering or execution of something. The word translated “service” was used in Paul’s day for public service, such as the contributions of money or services for a specific cause by the wealthier residents of the city-state. The rich were expected to spend a portion of their wealth to promote the common good. They received honors in return, such as public praise and honorific inscriptions lauding their service and preserving their honor after death. The word would recall for the Corinthians the benefactions that the wealthy made as patrons of their city or social group. Participating in the “service” Paul administers is not something that only the very rich can do, even the poorest can be, so to speak, public patrons.”

David E. Garland in 2 Corinthians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 29) (The New American Commentary) 413

I appreciate this exposition of the language of the collection. Paul wanted people to realize that service to those in need is not just the task of the rich. It’s a privilege for everyone.

Consider the implications.

Paul wants everyone to realize that generosity is not a service just for the rich to perform. It’s something everyone can do. We can all participate as conduits of blessing to others.

What about you where you are?

Imagine if you encouraged those you serve to minister as “public patrons” where they are! And while the worldly benefactors were expected to play this role, envision the impact of doing it willingly.

God wants all of us to serve as models of generosity to a watching world. Will you?

And [Jesus] told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21

“If we try to hoard money or spend it on ourselves, that should set off alarm bells that our relationship with God is out of balance or worse, nonexistent. The rich fool with his bulging barns and bumper crop wondered where he could store all his good things to preserve them all for himself. It apparently never crossed his mind that he had plenty of storage in the mouths of the needy. Those who are decisive and resourceful in trying to find ways to use God’s bounty to help others, as the rich fool was decisive and resourceful in finding ways to feather his own luxuriant nest, are those who are righteous in God’s eyes and who live out God’s righteousness.”

David E. Garland in 2 Corinthians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 29) (The New American Commentary) 412.

Today in Manila is one of my favorite days of the year. It’s not a holiday. It’s the day of the annual GTP Global Gathering where the board, staff, and regional facilitators convene.

These are people whose faith and stewardship is the opposite of nonexistent. The deploy themselves and the resources in their stewardship with radical obedience and generosity.

Ponder the word picture that the resources in your stewardship could be stored in the mouths of the needy. This marks a decisive and resourceful use of them.

Ask yourself this question. Am I decisive and resourceful to deploy myself and resources toward others? Or do I foolishly aim to deploy resources to make my life more luxurious?

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

“The first half of the verse summarizes Paul’s point in the previous verses: God will provide the means for them to be generous. They will not be enriched so that they can become like the rich fool who sits back in comfort and says to himself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). They are enriched solely to give them every opportunity to be generous with others. God is generous in giving people wealth so they may be generous with others. What we do with our money, then, becomes a litmus test for our relationship to God.”

David E. Garland in 2 Corinthians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 29) (The New American Commentary) 412.

How does this idea resonate with you that what you do with money is litmus test for your relationship to God?

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42

“A selfish man is never rich. His day is as long as his neighbor’s, yet he has no leisure except for his own amusements, no sympathy or concern beyond his own perplexities, no strength but to fight his own battles, and no money except for his own need; what haunts his mind at every turn is the dread of having too little for himself.”

William Malcolm MacGregor (1861-1944) in Jesus Christ Son of God as cited by David E. Garland in 2 Corinthians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 29) (The New American Commentary) 411.

Imagine the burden people with wealth carry on themselves unnecessarily.

Many rationalize that a good steward stores up treasures for himself so as not to burden others. In so doing, they unnecessarily burden themselves.

Others report that they have no other choice by to store up treasures for themselves forgetting that God is their Provider.

Some say, “But I don’t want my kids to have to take care of me when I am old,” and so appear as selfish, independent parents who create selfish kids.

These are strong statements for sure, but they are true. Humans bring nothing into this world and take nothing out of it. How we use wealth in between shows where we place or misplace our trust.

God’s design for us includes compassionate caring, generous sharing, and interdependent living practiced in community.

And if not having enough brings you dread, let this reality sober you. Those who choose God’s design tend to die surrounded by those they served like Dorcas.

Those who choose the independent route tend to lack joy from the haunting and die alone like the rich fool. While they may have money, it is coupled with dread.

They have no leisure, no sympathy or concern, and no strength because they have chosen the path of scarcity and they reap the consequences.

One thing I love about the GTP board, staff, and regional facilitators. They exhibit radical obedience and rich generosity with all they are and all they have, like Dorcas.

What path will you take? One like Dorcas or like the rich fool? If the question haunts you, ask the Holy Spirit what steps you should take.