May 6th: Generocity

By Ryan Nunez

Scripture:

Ruth 2:2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out to the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

Observation

Ruth is taking advantage of the practice of gleaning from the fields after the harvest to provide for herself and Naomi. What stuck out to me in this passage was the fact that generosity to the less fortunate was ingrained in the business practices and culture of God’s people. The Israelittes were instructed not to harvest from the edges of the field and not to pick up any grain that drops or is missed on the first pass. This was to be left for the poor among them as a mandate from God. This is over and above their tithes and offerings. They don’t get to credit this grain left behind as part of their ten percent tithe or as a portion of their first fruits offerings. It is just the way they meet the needs of those around them. It is a culture of generosity.

Application

Typically, generosity is a spur of the moment thing. If we see a need we often reach out to meet it. But how do we program in generosity into our lives? What are ways that we can take what we automatically do and focus some of that energy and resources into those who are in need?

Prayer

God, help me to be intentional and creative when it comes to giving.