A Divine Attribute

Having the tzedakah spirit, or a philanthropic spirit is a divine attribute, since God upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widows (Deut. 10:18). If God does so, then the one who gives to those who need it, partners with the Lord. Giving to the poor is regarded as an essential element of the righteous life. It is not enough to simply fast and do your devotions. What good is that if there is no fruit?

The Prophet Isaiah castigated those who fast and do nothing afterwards. He is telling the believers to fast and share their bread with the hungry or take the poor into your home. Action must back up your faith. Action reveals the faith of the person.

The Prophet Ezekiel (16:49) prophesied about the destruction of Sodom because of its lack of charity: they “had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” King Solomon talked about the noble wife to give generously to the poor, her hands being stretched out to help the needy (Prov. 31:20). Here’s another passage that is interesting, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full” (Prov. 19:17). How amazing is this word? When you are generous, it is the Lord whom you are lending to, and it is also the Lord who would pay you back in full. King Solomon also wrote to do what is right (tzedakah) is more desired by the Lord than sacrifice (Prov. 21;3). The Lord values the one who goes beyond what the Law says.

Experience the Power of Prophecy as a gift to open your mind to receive the Mind of Christ.

Is generosity the same as obedience when it comes to giving?