Even I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. Please, let’s stop charging this interest. Return their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to them immediately, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and fresh oil that you have been assessing them.”
Nehemiah 5:10-11 CSB
Years ago, I lent a friend a decent amount of money. She needed help as she was going through a rough spot in life, and I had a little extra I could spare. She promised to pay me back, with interest, and I agreed. A long time later she finally gave me a check for the amount that she borrowed. I was glad to get the money back. I took the check to the bank and it bounced. I was still out that money and now out even more because I had to cover the bounced check fees. I was pretty angry. I wanted my money back.
Later down the road I gave up on ever seeing the money, but it stuck with me. I was still upset, I hadn't forgiven yet. I had to make a point in my head where I did say I will forgive this debt and forgive her. I wrote it off in my head and heart as I helped someone in need instead of a loan.
Jesus told us to give without expecting anything in return, and it is right to do so. When you give with an open heart, it frees up your soul. Think about the joy people have when they help out in places like soup kitchens and places where people need a hand. Think of the joy the people get when someone helps them out of love, and not because they wanted something in return.
Disaster, famine, wildfires, tornadoes, even grief and pain from a loss, bring people to their lowest point and that is where we as Christians should be waiting with love and a hand giving of ourselves with nothing expected in return.
Lord, Help me to give more freely my time and my heart to those who are hurting and in need. Help me to love more like you love and show the world a Jesus they might not know
