Morning Devotional 081325 Leave the Judging to God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 13, 2025

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

7 Now if there are some poor persons among you, say one of your fellow Israelites in one of your cities in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, don’t be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward your poor fellow Israelites. 8 To the contrary! Open your hand wide to them. You must generously lend them whatever they need. 9 But watch yourself! Make sure no wicked thought crosses your mind, such as, The seventh year is coming—the year of debt cancellation—so that you resent your poor fellow Israelites and don’t give them anything. If you do that, they will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 10 No, give generously to needy persons. Don’t resent giving to them because it is this very thing that will lead to the LORD your God’s blessing you in all you do and work at. 11 Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.

Good Morning! Share your blessings!

What interesting words in verse 9, Make sure no wicked thought crosses your mind . . . 

Think of a time when you questioned why someone was in line for handouts of food, clothing, or money. A common concern of those donating is what the recipient will do with the donation, especially money. You might think, “They won’t use the money for food, they’ll buy cigarettes or booze.” Perhaps you question the motivation of those who receive compensation for being a foster parent. 

God calls us to give generously to those in need. No words are advising us to evaluate their situation or to base our giving on our perceived worthiness of the needy. How quickly we hand out funds to a “good” person who suddenly loses everything they own to a fire, but we question the needs of others. Who are we to judge who is worthy and who is not? God invites us, the equally unworthy, into a relationship filled with blessings. In return, we are to share those blessings with those in need without judgment. 

That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for our blessings. Help us share with others without questioning their motives. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Generously help those in need!

Leave the judging to God! Pastor Liz