Openhanded people

As I read this passage, God makes it very clear what kind of people he’d like us to be. 

He told his people,

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.

Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing.

He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.

Give generously to him 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 brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. (Deuteronomy 15:7-11)

Later when he talked about releasing indentured servants, he told the masters,

And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress.

Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. (13-14)

Openhanded. 

Freely lending. 

Giving generously. 

Giving liberally. 

People that give. 

These are the kinds of people we need to be. 

Why?  Two reasons. 

First, because God has blessed us.  And with what we’ve been blessed with, God asks us to be a blessing to others. 

Second, God says that if we do so, God will bless us even more. 

Paul puts it this way,

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  (2 Corinthians 9:8,10-11)