Deuteronomy 15:7-11
“If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in 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 open your hand wide to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he lacks. Beware that there not be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand”; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.””
This passage is from the book of Deuteronomy, presented as Moses' final addresses to the Israelites before they enter the promised land. It reiterates and expands upon laws given earlier, urging the community to establish a society founded on justice, compassion, and faithfulness to God, especially concerning the vulnerable.
How might we cultivate a generosity that anticipates need rather than reacting to it?