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Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Open Hands, Not Closed Fists!
Welcome, Faith Force Openhanded Givers! Today, we’re learning the difference between tightfisted and openhanded living, as shared in Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
Verse Of The Day:
"If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend to them whatever they need." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
Have you ever made a tight fist around something you didn’t want to share? God has strong words about how we should treat people who are poor or in need!
God says “do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.” Being “hardhearted” means your heart is cold and you don’t care about others. Being “tightfisted” means you grip your stuff so tightly in your closed fist that you won’t share with anyone. God says don’t be like that!
Instead, “be openhanded and freely lend to them whatever they need.” An open hand is the opposite of a closed fist! When your hand is open, you can give freely. You’re not holding on so tight that you can’t share. You’re willing to lend or give whatever someone needs.
Notice God says “freely lend” – that means giving without being grumpy about it, without complaining, and without making people beg. When you see someone who needs something you have, open your hand freely and help them! Don’t be the person with the closed fist who won’t share. Be the person with the open hand who gives generously!
Open Hand vs Closed Fist Challenge:
Trace both your hands on paper. On one hand (closed fist), write “Tightfisted – Won’t Share.” On the other hand (open palm), write “Openhanded – Freely Gives.” This week, practice being openhanded by freely lending or giving to someone who needs help – share school supplies, lend a toy, give away clothes, or help someone without being asked. Each time you give with an open hand, color in one finger on your open hand drawing!
Time For A Prayer:
Dear God, help us not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward people in need! When we're tempted to grip our stuff tightly and refuse to share, soften our hearts. Make us openhanded people who freely lend whatever others need. Help us open our fists and give generously! Amen.
Dear God, help us not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward people in need! When we’re tempted to grip our stuff tightly and refuse to share, soften our hearts. Make us openhanded people who freely lend whatever others need. Help us open our fists and give generously! Amen.
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