Deuteronomy 26:12
“When you have finished paying all the tithe of your increase in the third year, the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.”
What’s described in this passage is an extra tithe. It’s done every third year. It’s for the poor. It was the welfare system for their people. We are also to be mindful of and care for the disadvantaged. Our taxes go to pay for this. We should also be giving to aid the poor. Our churches may have an outreach. If so, then our church gifts apply. If not, then we should seek places to donate to.
We should also attempt to meet needs when they arise. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” We run into needs as we live our lives. To attend to those is being responsible.
Meeting needs that we encounter means getting involved personally. This first part that was addressed referred to giving financially. This second part is giving our time. This is getting our hands dirty. The good news is that it’s not constant. It participating as the needs arise.
The Lord will bless our efforts. Luke 6:38 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 back to you.” God is so good. He always out-gives us. This certainly rewards our actions, encouraging us to continue. The Lord wants us to develop this as part of who we are.
Lord, thanks that You coach us in being helpful.