Which New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 15:14's call for generosity? Deuteronomy 15:14 – Open-Handed Provision “You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him whatever the LORD your God has blessed you with.” Generosity Modeled by Jesus • Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” • Matthew 10:8 – “Freely you have received; freely give.” • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Mark 10:21 – “Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” • Matthew 25:35-36 – “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat… I was a stranger and you took Me in.” Generosity Practiced by the Early Church • Acts 2:44-45 – “Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who had need.” • Acts 4:34-35 – “There were no needy ones among them… for distribution to anyone as he had need.” • 3 John 5-8 – Commends believers who “send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” Apostolic Instructions on Giving • Romans 12:13 – “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 – “See that you also excel in this grace of giving… that there may be equality.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 – “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously… God loves a cheerful giver.” • Galatians 6:10 – “Let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” • Ephesians 4:28 – “Work… so that he may have something to share with the one in need.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Instruct the rich… to be generous and ready to share.” • Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • James 1:27 ; 2:15-16 – Care for orphans, widows, and brothers and sisters in need. • 1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need… let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” Motives and Promises Tied to Generosity • Reflects God’s character: as He blesses us, we bless others (Deuteronomy 15:14). • Builds unity in the body (Acts 4:34-35; 2 Corinthians 8:13-14). • Stores up eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:19). • Invites God’s ongoing provision (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:10-11). Living It Out Today • Look for concrete needs—food, shelter, emotional support—and meet them sacrificially. • Budget generosity first, not last. • Give personally and through the local church so “there are no needy among you.” • Practice hospitality: open your home, share meals, welcome strangers. • Encourage a culture of cheerful, voluntary giving that mirrors Christ’s lavish grace. |
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