In Deuteronomy, chapter fifteen, verses seven through eleven describe the sabbath years of release. Obedience to God’s law expects us to grow out of a sincere desire to obey God and to help those in need. God cares about our attitude and ambition to help the poor and the unfortunate. We must use our material possessions to help those who have real needs. The spirit of greed and selfishness that ignores the needs of others deprives us of God’s blessings.
The New Testament emphasizes the need for pity, sympathy, and kindness towards those who have suffered setbacks or experienced unfortunate circumstances that brought them into poverty or want. Followers of Christ should understand that there will be people out in the world who do not see what is forthcoming and will need support during those times. No one knows what lies ahead for tomorrow unless we call upon God to reveal our circumstances. Our hearts must be open to those who may need a helping hand. However, some people have families and necessities but do not want to work and improve themselves.
The reference to the release leads to a prescription regarding readiness to lend to the poor. The Israelites were not to harden their hearts against their inferior brethren. Nor were they, in the prospect of the year of release, to refuse to lend them what was necessary for their uses. However, they were to open their heart and hand to them according to their need, lest the poor should appeal against them to God, and sin should lie upon them. The decision will rest on the believer in situations such as giving.
Many people are hurting financially, destitute, poverty-stricken, and homeless today. If believers have a close relationship with God and the situation arises, His grace will help us to walk in love.