Open HandedSample

The writer of this Proverb offered a simple call to action for Jesus’ followers: be kind to the poor. Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’d all have to acknowledge that sometimes we close our hands more tightly than we’d care to admit. Sure, we have the desire to be open-handed with kindness and generosity, and to care for and give to those in need. But when push comes to shove, something stands in our way. Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s judgment, maybe it’s scarcity, or maybe it’s distrust. Whatever it is, those barriers tend to block our capacity to be fully kind and generous with all we have. That’s when it’s important to remember this Proverb. Why are we called to be kind to those in need? Because it serves more than just them; it serves the Lord. Giving to others is really just a way to give back to God Himself—the very God who gave it all to us in the first place. When we view it through that lens, we see that God promises to reward our generosity—not financially, but with the joy that comes from giving in response to God’s calling.

This week, pray that God might open your eyes to those in need around you. Ask Him to prompt you to give with a generous heart, knowing that you’re ultimately giving to God.