在古代以色列,神命令百姓要将田里的庄稼与穷人分享。收获后剩下的任何东西都要留给不富裕的人——寄居的、寡妇和孤儿(见申 24:19)。这种做法也出现在路得的故事中(见得 2章)。
神命令以色列人遵守这样的规则,好使公义成为他们日常生活的一部份。他们被呼召,以一种总是不割尽田角的方式管理他们的财富,好帮助那些劣势人群,他们往往也是贫穷和有需要的人。
如今,我们没有多少人“靠土地为生”,但我们仍然可以找到途径来省出一部份收入,将物资送给那些不幸的人。或许,这可能意味着把你的一些生活用品送到当地的物品储蓄站,或者把你家里的一个空房间提供给一个需要照顾的孩子。这样的机会很多!
今天,你如何将这一原则应用于你自己的生活,并向困苦中的人表达善意呢?
慈悲的神,你在耶稣里给了我们最大的财富,但我们常常不能把我们地上的财物作为回报献给你。请赐给我们一颗良善、正义的心,去帮助那些比我们不幸的人。阿们。
箴言 13:23
23穷人耕种多得粮食,但因不义有消灭的。
"An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away." - Proverbs 13:23
In ancient Israel, the people were commanded to leave a share of the crops in their fields for the poor. Anything that was left over from harvesting was to be left for people who were less fortunate—foreigners, widows, and the fatherless (see Deuteronomy 24:19). This practice enters into the story of Ruth as well (see Ruth 2).
The Israelites were commanded by God to follow rules like these so that justice would be a normal part of their daily living. They were called to steward their wealth in a way that always left room for helping people who were disadvantaged and who were therefore often poor and needy.
Not many of us "live off the land" these days, but we can still find ways to save portions of our income and give material goods to people who are less fortunate. Maybe this could mean setting aside a portion of your groceries for a local food bank, or offering an empty room in your house to a child in need of care. The opportunities are many!
How might you apply this principle to your own life and express kindness to people who are struggling today?
Gracious God, you have given us the greatest treasure in Jesus, but we often fail to offer our earthly treasures to you in return. Grant us a heart of kindness and justice to help people who are less fortunate than we are. Amen.
诵读: 骆云秀
片头: 张妙阳