“At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. 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.” (v1-2,7-8,10)
Talk about a non-traditional economical model – what kind of creditor cancels the debts they are owed every seven years? On top of that, what creditor gives generously without a grudging heart, knowing they may never see the money again? None who are worldly, that’s for sure.
Yet, God commands this behavior from His people, even Christ followers today, that we are to be generous with other Christ followers and the world. “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 Jn 3:17) “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Pro 19:17) And Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Lk 6:38)
In that final verse Jesus indicates that we will receive back a comparable amount to that which we give. Now, He isn’t necessarily promising equal exchange – give someone a cup of flour, and you’ll receive a cup of flour in return (though that could happen). What He’s saying is, we will receive a reward for our generosity, just as He did/will receive one, though the reward will likely be intangible (not physical/material).
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; … he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…” (Php 2:5-11 abr)
Jesus receives the ultimate reward for His humility and obedience to God, and His generosity toward us – why wouldn’t we want to model this same obedience, selfless love and generosity? My challenge today is to model Jesus’ generosity and love – not because we are promised a reward, but because “[We] are the light of the world… let [our] light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 5:14-16 abr)
One further note on forms of generosity: you can be generous with money and material possessions for sure, though you don’t have to limit yourself to those – they can be helpful in some circumstances, though they are not always the most beneficial or valuable gifts. If you really want to give recklessly, give of your time, which is a finite resource you cannot get back (money can be replenished, time cannot) – in this way we really show our love for others. When Jesus walked the earth, He didn’t give people money, but He gave of Himself, His time, energy, and love. Let’s give like Jesus gave, in a way that cannot be returned, so we have no expectation of reciprocation. In whatever way we choose to give, let’s be attentive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to ensure we’re in alignment with God’s leading in those opportunities.
Father God, wise and merciful King, we honor and praise You. Thank you for the abundant generosity You lavish upon us, especially the gift of salvation through Jesus. Father please teach us how to love as Jesus loved, giving freely of the resources that You have entrusted to us. Please teach us stewardship through the wisdom, guidance and discernment of Your Holy Spirit. May we bring glory and honor to You by the work of our hands, being a light unto this world. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we ask this. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training