Our #WeekReflect this week will highlight about charity and giving to those who are in need.
According to the Bible, God wants us to give freely and help those who are suffering and in need.
Jesus during His sermon at the mountain taught his followers to give to those who begs them.
‘’Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.’’ Matthew 5:42
According to St. Luke, God promises us that by giving, we will be rewarded.
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. “Luke 6:38
Giving to those in need is like giving to God.
‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.’’
Proverbs 19:17
In the book of Deuteronomy God reminds us that the poor are more worthy of our generosity.
‘’ If anyone is poor among your fellow brothers in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. Be careful not to harbour this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for cancelling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.’’
Deuteronomy 15:7-11
As you give, remember to give cheerfully and thus, you should not berate those you give to when you choose to give them.
God loves a “cheerful giver’’.