July 7 - Living with Open Hands

JULY 7 - Living with Open Hands3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 19:16–17; Luke 7//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” — Proverbs 19:16–17 (ESV)“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’” — Luke 7:13–14 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever watched someone go through something so tough that you didn’t even know what to say? Maybe it was a friend who lost someone they loved or someone in your school who was hurting but didn’t talk about it. In Luke 7, Jesus met a grieving mother on the way to bury her only son. He didn’t just feel sorry for her—He had compassion and stepped in to help.That’s the heart behind Proverbs 19:17 too: when we give to those in need, whether it’s our time, kindness, or resources, God sees it as if we gave to Him. Real compassion isn’t about feeling bad for someone—it’s about showing up, giving what we can, and trusting God to use it for good.Living with open hands means we hold on to what we have lightly so we can freely give when God calls us to help. And the best part? God promises that nothing we give in love is wasted.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Compassion in Action: When you see someone hurting, do you just feel sorry for them, or do you look for ways to help like Jesus did (Luke 7:13–14)?2. Giving to God: How does Proverbs 19:17 change the way you think about giving your time, energy, or money to someone in need?3. Open Hands, Open Heart: What keeps you from living with open hands? Fear of not having enough? Worry that it won’t make a difference? How can you trust God with what you give?________________________________________BOTTOM LINECompassion moves us from feelings to action, and when we give to others, we’re really giving to God.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for showing compassion to me through Jesus. Teach me to live with open hands and an open heart, ready to give and help when I see a need. Help me to trust that nothing I give in love is wasted because You see it all. Make me more like Jesus in how I care for others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.