“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:9-10
As God prepared the people of Israel to enter the Promised Land, He established rules like these. Rules providing for those in need by giving them the right to gather leftover produce from any field. God wasn’t concerned with perfect efficiency because He understood His infinite capacity to produce and provide. Rather, He was concerned with generosity and provision for neighbors in need. While God’s stated will was for none of His people to be poor in the Promised Land, He also understood that in a fallen world, poverty would happen. And God cares deeply for the poor.
In ways large and small, obvious and subtle, God declares His consistent concern for the poor and vulnerable. This is true from the beginning to the end of the Bible. Old Testament. New Testament. Care for the poor and vulnerable is part of God’s unchanging nature. We, His people, are commanded to share His concern. We must live it out in practice, not just theory. In deeds, not merely words. With generosity, not excuses. Cultivate God’s heart for those around you in need, then act on that heart in love. #FollowJesus