Give as You are Able

“¹³You shall keep the Feast of Booths seven days, when you have gathered in the produce from your threshing floor and your winepress. ¹⁷Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.” – Deuteronomy 16:13 & 17 (ESV)

As I read this morning, I am reminded that we are blessed with what we have or are able to produce. The passage above is referencing, as you can see, the Feast of Booths. This is a yearly celebration in the fall after the harvest of the summer fruits. The men of the area were to come together to celebrate the harvest and anticipate the blessings of the next harvest.

During this feast and celebration, the men were to bring and give a portion of their harvest to God. And whereas all men did not harvest the same amount, they were all required to give. And give back, as you see, “as he is able”. There was no set amount that was due, only you were to give what you were able based on your harvest and needs.

How much is what you are able, and where are you to give it? That is what is missing in the discussions I see happening in the world with regard to taxation and responsibility to others. I know that there are those that have a great harvest year in and year out and are giving what they are required and then giving to other areas that are not required and all of it may add up to what they are able. That amount and if they are giving what they are able is between them and God and not for me to be concerned with.

For me and my relationship with God, I have to remember to give all that I am able. Sometimes that may not be financial or monetary giving, but the giving of my time and love for others and providing the help that they are in need of at the time. There are times when providing a helping hand with the lawn, carrying the groceries, or sitting and having a conversation are all the help that is needed and I know that we are all able to provide in those instances. Giving all that you are able is what is required and we should not feel guilty for not doing more.

When you look at your giving, what is it that you are giving? Can you divide it out and say that you are giving all that you are able? What if you are not, will you work to give a bit more to reach that threshold of giving all that you are able?