How can we support the needy, as instructed in Exodus 23:11, today? Anchoring Truth from Exodus 23:11 “but during the seventh year you are to let the land lie fallow and let it rest, so that the poor among your people may eat; and whatever they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove.” The Heart Behind the Command • God knit compassion for the vulnerable into Israel’s economic rhythms. • Leaving fields unharvested every seventh year placed tangible help within reach of the poor while teaching landowners to trust God’s provision. • Leviticus 25:35–37 reinforces this heartbeat: “If your brother becomes poor…you are to support him…”. Timeless Principles We Carry Forward • Build margin: plan and budget so generosity is possible. • Prioritize proximity: “your people” (those within our daily reach) come first (Galatians 6:10). • Trust God’s supply: releasing resources is an act of faith (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Integrate justice with mercy: systemic care, not mere handouts (Isaiah 58:6-10). Practical Ways to Support the Needy Today Personal Lifestyle Choices – Set aside a “seventh-year” portion of income each month (e.g., 14% of take-home pay = one-seventh) for benevolence. – Shop and tip consciously—support businesses that hire disadvantaged workers. – Keep a stocked “gleaning shelf” in your pantry for spontaneous food donations. Church-Centered Initiatives – Benevolence funds: regular, cheerful giving (Acts 4:34-35). – Skills-training workshops: pair teaching with tangible aid (James 2:15-16). – Community gardens: modern “resting fields” where produce is free for neighbors. Community Engagement – Partner with pregnancy resource centers, shelters, and food banks. – Offer pro-bono professional services (legal, medical, financial counseling). – Advocate for fair hiring and housing practices that respect biblical justice. Global Outreach – Fund micro-loans and sustainable agriculture projects in developing regions. – Sponsor missionaries who plant churches and meet physical needs together. – Support Bible-translation teams; spiritual poverty is real poverty (Matthew 4:4). Guarding Our Hearts from Stinginess • Remember Proverbs 19:17: “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD.” • Meditate on 1 John 3:17—love must not “shut off his heart.” • Practice secret giving (Matthew 6:1-4) to keep motives pure. Blessings Promised to the Generous • “The generous soul will prosper.” (Proverbs 11:25) • “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38) • “God is able to make all grace abound to you.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Abundant provision flows both outward to the needy and inward to the giver when we gladly live the spirit of Exodus 23:11 today. |
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