Deuteronomy 24:19-21
One of the hardest things for me to do is share a dessert, especially if it is chocolate. Even when the serving size is far too big for what I need, I am greedy in my attitude, wanting it all for myself. In that sense I am poor at showing chrestotes.
The Book of Deuteronomy offers many rules, regulations, and guidance to living a godly life. In this passage specific guidelines are made for being kind to others who are in need.
What are people NOT to do in the three harvests mentioned? Who will benefit from this? What will God do?
No specific amounts are listed in this passage from Deuteronomy. If you are skilled at harvesting it is possible that you will leave very little behind. There may not be much that remains after you have finished.
But the amount is not what is important. The intention is important. The idea is that we shouldn’t be greedy in what we get or what we have. Don’t go back over the fields or the branches or the vines a second time to gather up every little scrap. Take what you want, but be kind and leave something behind.
This practice was meant to offer kindness – chrestotes – to those in need. The poor, the stranger, the foreigner, the widows all then had an opportunity to receive the benefits of a kind attitude. It was an act of sweet and mellow giving. It did not require a large sacrifice. It simply required a good attitude.
We may not be farmers (and even today’s farmers rarely have people wandering through their fields gathering what is left). We may not raise olives or own a vineyard, but we do have something.
Spare change dropped in a container to benefit the underprivileged can be an act of chrestotes. Old, but useful clothing or old, but useful furniture donated to homeless shelters or soup kitchens can be an act of chrestotes. The item or amount is not what is important. The attitude is.
Large contributions given to help out good causes are admirable, but don’t overlook the small gestures of sharing with those in need.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Is there something you can live without that can be offered in an attitude of chrestotes to someone who may need it?
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