To Give or...?

Would you drive your car with your eyes closed?  Nope!  You need to see where you are going! So, why close your eyes to the poor?

The word “poor” can describe someone who is lacking sufficient money.  Beyond that, you can be poor in a number of areas.  Anyone could be lacking sufficient emotional, physical, or even spiritual health.  Perhaps there are more poor people around us than we think.

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. -Proverbs 28:27

Notice this proverb tells us that people who give to the poor lack nothing.  Do you want to lack nothing?  Then be generous and give.  Do you want to be cursed?  Of course not!  BTW: It’s difficult to "see” any needs with our eyes closed.

So what to do?

1. Ask God to help you “see!”  Lean forward in faith and “look” to bless others. Open your hands.  Open your heart.  Open your eyes.  Don’t back away in fear.  Step forward and give.  What are some items that you can give?  Who might need what you have?  Can you make some deliveries this week?  God loves a cheerful giver. Delight in the fact that God will make sure your giving will be rewarded.  God will make sure you lack nothing.
2. Start with your stuff.  Do you have extra clothing, old furniture, and toys you aren’t using?  Donate them!  Give!  Don’t just throw stuff away!  Be a good steward!  Take time out of your schedule and donate. You will lack nothing.
3. Pray.  Lord, forgive me for closing my eyes to the needs of those around me. Forgive me for any stinginess or closed eyes - stemming from a closed heart.  Help me to open my eyes and essentially open my heart to everyone.  Help me to not look down on others.  Help me to not be so distant, calloused, cold, or indifferent.  Help me to love everyone. Amen.