Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If there is with you a poor man, any of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wants.”
This passage is part of a larger set of laws given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy often reiterates and expands upon earlier laws, emphasizing how the community should live justly once settled, particularly concerning social and economic relationships.
What does it mean for us to 'open our hand' to those in need within our own communities today?