How can we apply the principle of giving to the needy today? The Scriptural Foundation “Then you shall say before the LORD your God, ‘I have removed from my house the sacred portion; I have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not violated or forgotten Your commandments.’” (Deuteronomy 26:13) Timeless Principles in Deuteronomy 26:13 • Giving is an act of obedience, not mere charity. • God’s people intentionally set aside a “sacred portion” for the vulnerable. • The recipients are clearly identified: spiritual servants (Levite), refugees (foreigner), social orphans (fatherless), and unprotected women (widow). • The giver keeps a clear conscience—“I have not violated or forgotten.” Integrity matters as much as generosity. Connecting the Dots with the Rest of Scripture • Leviticus 19:9-10—leave the edges of the field for the poor and the sojourner. Practical provisioning built into daily business. • Proverbs 19:17—“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.” Giving is a loan God guarantees to repay. • Matthew 6:3-4—Jesus assumes we will give and tells us to do it secretly, seeking the Father’s reward. • Acts 4:34-35—the early church ensured “there was not a needy person among them.” Collective responsibility continued beyond the Law. Practical Ways to Live This Out Today 1. Budget a “sacred portion.” • Treat generosity as a non-negotiable line item—firstfruits, not leftovers. • Aim beyond a tithe when God prospers you (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). 2. Identify the modern “Levite, foreigner, fatherless, widow.” • Those who labor in gospel work with limited income. • Immigrants and refugees adjusting to new surroundings. • Children in foster care or single-parent homes. • Elderly or single mothers often overlooked by society. 3. Give both personally and corporately. • Personal: meals, rent assistance, school supplies, mentorship. • Church: benevolence funds, partnerships with local shelters, global missions support. 4. Maintain accountability. • Keep records so you can honestly say, “I have not violated or forgotten.” • Invite trusted believers to review and pray over your generosity plans (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). 5. Guard the heart attitude. • Give cheerfully, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Remember you’re stewarding God’s resources, not your own (Psalm 24:1). Blessings that Follow Obedient Giving • Spiritual fruit—greater contentment and freedom from greed (1 Timothy 6:18-19). • Community impact—needs met, gospel credibility strengthened (Matthew 5:16). • Eternal reward—the Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:4). A Lifestyle, Not a Line Item Make Deuteronomy 26:13 more than an ancient confession. Let it shape a rhythm of intentional, accountable, and joyful generosity that reflects God’s own heart for the needy every single day. |
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