Helping Our Poor: A Gentle Reminder From the Old Testament
@gtargirl (5376)
United States
April 30, 2012 1:24pm CST
Still reading through the Bible, but falling a little behind, I came across a scripture where God commands that we take care of our poor. Here it is from Leviticus 23:22. And I believe this is the second time it's mentioned.
"When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien ... "
Taking this verse, or the spirit of this verse, and because not all of us have land, how else can we take care of people in our neighborhoods? Any thoughts?
One of my ideas/thoughts: There's about 20 acres of empty land behind our home. The city has no plans for it. I've called. I would love to see if we can plant a neighborhood garden for anyone to come harvest. We live in the desert but everywhere you turn there are citrus groves, we grow pumpkins, watermelons, peanuts and lots of other food. Ranchers and farmers live here. So that's my thought. What's yours?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@urbandekay (18278)
•
2 May 12
Also in the book of James 1 and 2
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
all the best urban
1 person likes this
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
1 May 12
I think a community garden is an EXCELLENT idea!
The tricky part would be trying to get an even ratio of people working the garden vs people taking from the garden.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
17 Jul 12
Yes, we should probably organize it because that would be a problem. But I wonder if retired people or those who are homeless could help. Then they could "live off the land" they're helping to keep. It's just a thought.
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
30 Apr 12
We are a bit on the same wavelength today. I started a discussion about doing good and helping others. Money donations always come to mind, but also there are places to volunteer your time, like senior centers and schools. Meals on Wheels always needs help, and charity walks. Some people go to the "buy one get one free" sales and donate the free one. I give blood and platelets, that is not just for the poor but it is for those who are suffering. Meals on Wheels and senior citizens need extra help on a regular basis too.
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
17 Jul 12
Sorry I'm responding so late to this conversation ... no excuse really. Anyhow, isn't that the truth that we can do so many things that will not only improve the lives of others but we get blessed also.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
30 Apr 12
what a great idea. actually, there is a church in the city i live in that runs a garden that is maintained by the seniors of the church (its a really congregation) and then they donate the stuff that grows to charity. that would be pretty cool if something like that could go in your area.
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
17 Jul 12
That's exactly what I'm talking about. It also gives purpose to those who are willing to work it like your senior citizens. It would be nice if the city got behind something like that.
@hildian712 (8)
•
30 Apr 12
quite interesting and noble thought. In my neighbourhood, we collect used clothes, buy different types of food, especially dry foods like flour, sugar etc and detergents for the poor. Some folk pay school fees for bright students who cannot afford to go to school.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
17 Jul 12
I love hearing about projects like this. There is good in this world, I just know it.
