An Open Heart leads to Open Pockets

 An Open Heart leads to Open Pockets

John doesn’t pull any punches:

1John 3:17 “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

Charity seems to abound during the Christmas season, and that’s a good thing. But let’s review just a bit the Biblical setting of this critical question from John to make sure we are thinking properly.

First of all, John is speaking more specifically in this passage about love of the “brothers.” I don’t believe this excludes “sisters,” but it definitely directs us to the care of believers and those who need help in the believing community. Most of the discussion of gifts and giving in the New Testament have the community of faith in mind. This is not to say that we should not give to those outside the faith. But we should remember the priority.

But more importantly, let’s notice the connection between our hearts and our pockets. The verse above does not reference the pocket, because the issue is the heart. Certainly a closed heart will result in a closed pocket. But we must also admit that, in our age of plenty, it is quite easy to share with others, even though our hearts may be rather closed. We can open our pockets for reasons other than having a truly generous heart, whether it be to salve the conscience, or impress other people.

These “brothers” are those around the world that we don’t know personally, but those with whom we are more closely related than any earthly relation. Think of that. You have a “brother” in Indonesia that you have not yet met, perhaps in great need, with whom you will spend eternity. Is your heart open, or closed?

The verse also mentions what we “have.” It does not say what we “own,” because, for the believer, everything we “have” is given as a stewardship, not for ownership. It is God’s gift to you to be used as God sees fit. It seems that having an open heart to God is connected to having an open heart to those of God’s people who have needs.

Finally, let me borrow from another passage and remind that true Christian generosity is not merely the sharing of leftovers, but is often sacrificial. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus tells the story of the poor widow who gives “more” than the rich. It seems she had an open heart.