What attitudes should we cultivate to align with Deuteronomy 15:10's teachings? “Give to him, and do not let your heart be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.” Setting the Verse in Context Israel was instructed to release debts in the seventh year and care generously for the poor among them. God ties generosity to His ongoing blessing, making attitude as important as the act itself. Key Attitudes to Cultivate • Open-handed generosity – v. 8 speaks of “opening your hand wide.” True generosity isn’t calculating or measured; it is willing to be vulnerable with resources. – Proverbs 11:25: “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Cheerful giving – “Do not let your heart be grudging.” God wants the giver’s joy as much as the recipient’s relief. – 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” • Compassion that sees need – Deuteronomy 15:9 warns against hardening the heart. Compassion softens us toward real people, not abstract causes. – 1 John 3:17: “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his heart against him, how can the love of God abide in him?” • Trust in God’s provision – The promise of blessing (“the LORD your God will bless you”) releases fear that generosity will leave us lacking. – Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” • Obedience that walks by faith – Giving is a concrete act of surrender to God’s commands. – James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” • Humility before the Giver of all things – Recognize ourselves as stewards, not owners. – 1 Chronicles 29:14: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” Promises Attached to These Attitudes • Personal blessing in work and endeavors (Deuteronomy 15:10). • A harvest of righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10). • Eternal reward laid up in heaven (Luke 12:33). Putting It into Practice 1. Start each week by setting aside a specific amount or percentage purely for generosity. 2. Keep a running list of needs you encounter—mission work, church benevolence, struggling neighbors—pray over it and give as God leads. 3. Respond quickly when prompted; generosity delayed often becomes generosity denied. 4. Celebrate giving moments with gratitude, thanking God aloud for the privilege to share. 5. Regularly revisit passages on generosity to keep the heart soft and motives pure. As these attitudes take root, giving becomes less a duty and more a joyful partnership with God in blessing others. |
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