Deuteronomy Chapter 15
Help The Needy Even If It Means Getting Nothing Back In Return.
God declared that at the end of every seven years a lender was to forgive the debt of those they lent money to. God declares that he wants us to be generous in helping others. But some Israelites wouldn’t help someone in need when it was during the seventh year because they knew they wouldn’t get the money back. But God said that that should have nothing to do with whether or not they lend. We are to help the needy, PERIOD.
If you don’t, God says it’s a sin.
Here’s where I struggle, whether I’m right or wrong. I try to define in my heart if the person asking for something is really in need or if they are a “freeloader” expecting something as if they deserve it.
Don’t get me wrong, my wife and I have helped many people in need: family and non family members.
But for the person who seems to be lazy and expecting help, I have approached them differently. For me, their need is helping them to become self-reliant. I helped a gentleman once who wanted money. I helped him get a job. It was a lot of work, but it felt good seeing him one day finally working, becoming self reliant. It boosted both his self esteem and confidence.
My prayer is that God would help me identify what a need really is and then actually help the person rather than do nothing.
