Subject: Sell what you have-give alms |
Bible Note: Jeff - When you speak of "charitable giving" the impression given is donating old clothes, putting money in the Salvation Army kettle, delivering a box of can foods to the Food Bank, giving a few hundred dollars to a church program for the homeless or making a contribution of several thousand dollars to a local charity. Hardly a process of selling your possessions and giving to the poor. In your own words of you first answer, "The verse has to be considered in the context of the surrounding verses. Jesus is not saying sell all of your possessions, leaving yourself without means of living and giving it all away." Jeff, I am reading it as quite the opposite. Jesus is saying "Sell your possesions and give to the poor" for just as the birds, lilies of the field and the ravens are well looked after by God, God will look after us. We have no need to worry, we have no need for possesions. Jesus said do not be like the rich man who prepared for a good retirement but was not rich with God. Lay not your treasures on earth but in heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. If you are keeping treasures here on earth, then your heart is there and not in heaven. Jeff, I want to follow my Lord the correct way and if it requires me to sell my possesions and give to the poor, then I must obey. flyman |