In a time when people have never owned more stuff, we’ve never been more owned by our stuff. So we tend to get uncomfortable when we read Jesus’ charge to us to care for the poor, particularly when it requires self-sacrifice. It might not sound appealing to part with our things, but things should always take a backseat to people — especially when those people have the potential to become brothers or sisters in Christ as a consequence of the love, compassion, and generosity we extend to them.

God designed His Church to be a family — a body of people who love, mentor, support, and freely give to one another. We’re called to be others-focused, not self-focused. All that we have is ultimately God’s, and how we give back to Him is reflected in how we show His love toward other people.

Old Testament law declares that when you harvest a field, anything left over once the harvesting process is finished should be left in the field for the orphans, the widows, and the poor. So why do we tend to hoard what God has given to us? We’ve been blessed with so much, but with that comes a responsibility and an opportunity for us to turn around and bless others who are in need.

When we listen to the Lord, He guides us to meet the needs of those who cross our path. But Scripture specifically tells us that when we give to others, we should do it in secret so that all the glory is given to God and not to ourselves. Everything we have is a gift from Him, so let’s be good stewards of what’s already His and distribute it where He leads us!