Deu 15:7-10 | MHM | STEP | v. 7 : There will always be poor people who need help ( v. 7 ), so God commands not to harden your heart or close your hand to a poor brother. Kindness and compassion are always needed.

‏ Deuteronomy 15:7-10

v. 7: There will always be poor people who need help (v. 7 ^a), so God commands not to harden your heart or close your hand to a poor brother. Kindness and compassion are always needed.

v. 8: God says to open your hand wide and lend whatever is needed (v. 8 ^b). Sometimes lending is as helpful as giving, because it teaches responsibility and helps the poor support themselves.

v. 9: People might be tempted not to lend when the year of release is near, because they fear they will not get their money back (v. 9 ^c). God warns against such selfish thoughts. If the poor cry out to God because you refuse to help, it is counted as sin. God knows even our secret thoughts and expects us to act with true kindness (Ps. 49:18; Luke 6:35; 14:14 ^d).

v. 10: Give freely and happily, not with a grieving heart (v. 10 ^e). God loves a cheerful giver and will repay those who are generous (2 Cor. 9:7 ^f).