“Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.” (Deut. 15:10-11, MSG)

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This verse in Deuteronomy reminds me of a moment in John chapter 12: Jesus rebuking Judas of Iscariot after he chastises Mary for pouring out the expensive nard and washing Jesus’ feet. Judas objects that the perfume should have been sold and “‘the money given to the poor. It was worth a year’s wages.’ He did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put in it” (vv. 5-6, NIV). Two very different responses and motives to generosity: Jesus knew them both.  

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Jesus goes on to state, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (vs. 8). Why would Jesus say that? Perhaps Jesus knew we would need his presence, or the Holy Spirit, to understand his love and mercy, prompting our own hearts to give beyond what we have. Mary’s generosity came out of a heart to honor and worship; Judas’ generosity came from a heart of self. We need the sanctification of Jesus over and over because a generous heart doesn’t come naturally. We need Jesus to continually give us compassion and mercy so that we can give generously to those around us. Thankfully, we can practice over and over because there is always someone in need of generosity.

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Ask the Lord to reveal where your heart is in regard to generosity. Pray Deuteronomy 15:10-11 and insert your name, asking the Lord to help you open your purse and hands to those he gives you.  

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And when you are challenged and temped to close your fist against another, may this image redirect your heart and your hands to give beyond what is necessary.

*Image from Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson

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