Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 15:7-11

” … do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted.”

What a challenging set of words, and what a great test for ourselves: In my attitude and actions towards others am I hard-hearted and tight-fisted or soft-hearted and open-handed” ? To use yesterday’s key word, “Do I have the heart and the habit of charity?”

The pure motive God desires of us in every act of giving is selfless agape love. Yet, God also encourages us with the promise of v.10 (which is wonderfully consistent with yesterday’s proverbs too). The promise is: “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.”

The simple picture is that when we live with soft hearts and open hands towards others, God blesses our hearts and our hands. But a hard hearted and tight-fisted approach to life shuts the door on God’s blessing. After all, one cannot receive a gift if one’s hand is tightly clenched.

God perfectly understands the human heart, so He gives us this gracious promise to encourage us to let go of our selfishness and give ourselves and our resources to those in need – as an act of trust in God, His love, and His provision for us.

Lord, soften my heart and help me to open my hands to those around me. Please grant me the grace to love others through generosity in their time of need. Amen.