The dictionary’s definition of “open-handed” is simply, generous. God’s command to His people concerning a brother in need is, “Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother, to the poor, and to thy needy…Thou shalt furnish him liberally…of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.” God gives to us that we may give to those less fortunate. Those whom He has blessed richly are even more responsible. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And, “Woe unto them that…turn aside the needy… [and] the poor of my people.”
David tells us, “…open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” But I think, if we are not willing to open our hand wide to our brother, we should close our big mouth to God. :>) The wise man tells us, “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” If we refuse to hear them, God will refuse to hear us.
A little poor boy was setting on a curb singing, “Jesus loves me.” A man passing by asked why, if Jesus loved him so much, He didn’t tell one of His people to buy him a new pair of shoes? The little urchin’s reply was, “Oh, He told somebody, Mister, but they just didn’t obey Him.” May God help us all!
an Aged Saint
Done on purpose, make you dig. Paul over and again said things like, "It is written," but did say where in the O.T. Also, "It is written in another place." Sometimes I do, others I do not.
Great thoughts! Would you mind putting the scripture references in the future so we can grab those text easily? Thanks!