Shalom, Mitspacha!
Compassionate lending
"If there be among you a poor man of one of your brethren within any of your gates in your land which YHVH your Elohim gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother: But you shall open your hand wide unto him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wants."
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 15:7-8
Today we focus on the heart behind the loan. Compassionate lending is not merely about the transaction, but about the refusal to harden the heart.
It is the active choice to see a brother's need and respond with a hand that is wide open, ensuring that their immediate lack is met with dignity and support.
True compassion in lending recognizes that everything we possess belongs to YHVH. When we lend to a brother in need, we are acting as stewards of His resources. It is an opportunity to reflect His character of mercy and to trust that He is the one who sustains both the lender and the borrower.
A compassionate loan preserves the dignity of the one receiving and sanctifies the heart of the one giving.
Abba YHVH, give us eyes to see the needs of those around us and hearts that are quick to respond with mercy. Remove all selfishness and fear of lack from our minds. May we be faithful stewards of the abundance You have provided, lending with grace and reflecting Your kindness to our brothers and sisters.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.