Open Hands

The Bible speaks many times about giving with generosity.
And it also warns us about giving with an attitude of piety.
We are to hold all our earthly treasures with open, loose hands.
Love, our time, along with monetary giving quickly expands.
The story of the good Samaritan tells us of how we should be.
Stay on the alert for the needs around us; giving sets us free.
Open hands means an open heart that freely gives with love.
The Spirit gives us compassion, and that comes from above.
We do not to let our left hand know what our right hand gives
The Pharisees wanted to show all what they gave; God forgives
Momentary lapses of no ill intent, when money was often lent..
The open hand of a man who knows that all he has is but spent.
But woe unto the man who loans money to the poor, it is given
With no expectation of return, our reward will be in heaven.

Giving with no expectation of a return is what is expected of us.
Does not the word say, “There should be no poor amongst us”?
Open hands means working hands, one who applies his trade
Passing a brother in distress, neglecting to come to their aide.
Wasting talents God has given us is just another sign of greed.
Our talents should be used to willingly help a person in need
Open hands depicts service too, giving our time to service too.
In every church there are jobs to do, and some start with you.
If you attend church just to warm a pew who picks up the slack?
Some are burdened with too much work and do not come back.
Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, He guides you in all things.
Joy you will feel from serving others, for satisfaction it brings.
Do not be concerned with deductions you might receive on earth.
Leave the world with empty hands, the spirit is what we are worth.

• Deuteronomy 15:11 ~ “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” 
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 & 7 & verse 12 & 13 ~ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.