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Are You a Thief?

In Deuteronomy 15:7-11 we might be tempted to breeze through this short lesson on generosity. Or we might even excuse it as teaching to the Jews and not applicable for us. However, it appears that this teaching should be near to our hearts. 

We remember that Judas was interested in giving to the poor when an expensive bottle of perfume was used to anoint Jesus (John 12:6). Judas' motives are revealed in that text. He was a thief and often took from the money bag. 

Deuteronomy 15:7 If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.

Wait? I don't like this verse. It makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel like I want to hide from that bum on the corner asking for spare change. 

You might have pity on that person or not, however, this verse is talking about your fellows in the faith. It was being spoken to the children of Israel but might be applied to us today as well. We all know that shisters exist. Be careful of those. But help your Christian brothers who need you. Remember that God helped you when you were "yet a sinner". So, don't be a thief. 

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