Open Your Hand to the Poor: Christian Charity (Deuteronomy 15:7–11) | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) by Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards’ treatise, Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, dating from January 1732, establishes giving to the needy as the most absolute and indispensable duty for the people of God. Drawing primarily from Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Edwards argues that this bounden duty, which he equates with the weightiest matters of the law, must be performed both bountifully and willingly.Giving bountifully means providing what is sufficient for the poor’s need, commanding the giver to "open thine hand wide" rather than merely offering a token amount. This duty extends broadly, condemning the narrow interpretation of "neighbor" used by the Pharisees, who excluded groups like the Samaritans. Edwards stresses that true charity, rooted in the “new commandment” to love as Christ loved us, requires helping even strangers, sojourners, and enemies, and showing kindness to the undeserving, just as Christ relieved us when we were hateful enemies to him.Giving must also be done willingly, "freely, and without grudging," as God looks upon the heart and loves a cheerful giver. Edwards warns against having a "wicked heart" that raises excuses, such as concern over losing money. To neglect this responsibility is to incur "great guilt," a sin comparable to those that contributed to the destruction of Sodom, which included pride and failure to "strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."Edwards uses the analogy of stewardship to explain this obligation: individuals are merely stewards of goods lent by God, and they must use these possessions according to the master's direction, giving every member of the family their portion. Failure to provide for the needy is akin to robbing the master and embezzling his substance. Furthermore, Christ personally identifies with the poor, viewing charity given or withheld from the needy as being done or denied to him.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730