Deuteronomy 15:7-11
Suppose someone is poor among you. And suppose they live in one of the towns in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Then don’t be mean to them. They are poor. So don’t hold back money from them. Instead, open your hands and lend them what they need. Do it freely. Be careful not to have an evil thought in your mind. Don’t say to yourself, “The seventh year will soon be here. It’s the year for forgiving people what they owe.” If you think like that, you might treat the needy people among you badly. You might not give them anything. Then they might make their appeal to the Lord against you. And he will find you guilty of sin. So give freely to needy people. Let your heart be tender toward them. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all your work. He will bless you in everything you do. There will always be poor people in the land. So I’m commanding you to give freely to those who are poor and needy in your land. Open your hands to them.

Daily Reflection Questions
People tend to give more generously, and more frequently, around the holidays. Many of us also give (less consciously) through taxes, some of which go to support a social safety net. 

• Have you ever found yourself questioning the motives of those who receive charity or financial support? 
• Some politicians have proposed - or even passed - legislation that requires things like drug tests in order for individuals to access services like food stamps. How is this different or similar to the kind of thinking Deuteronomy is warning against?
• A frequent challenge to the suggestion that people should give freely goes something like this: "If we give freely, we will eventually not have anything to give!" Is it possible to give "freely" and sustainably? If not, which type of giving does the Bible advocate? 

Seminary Spotlight:

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Garrett-Evangelical recognizes the value a theological education offers people working in the public sphere. They offers a number of programs, courses, and internship opportunities that help prepare students for a life of service through work with non-profits, NGOs, para-church organizations, and through political leadership and civil service.

Their Master of Arts in Public Ministry is specifically geared towards these types of career paths. Read or click below to learn more.

learn more

Master of Arts in Public Ministry 
The purpose of this program is to provide theological formation to potential learners who aspire to fulfill their Christian vocations to love God and serve neighbor through public ministries of advocacy, organizing, and justice-making in collaboration with other communities of faith and conscience working for racial justice, economic equality, ecological flourishing, gender equity, and a democratic society that works for all.  In particular, the MAPM helps laity serving in community, social, or justice-oriented organizations (e.g. non profits, NGOs, para-church or civic organizations) who seek to enhance their public work by engaging the resources of theological education and formation. 

​Program goals/outcomes:

1. Apply biblical, theological, and ecclesial traditions in diverse public spheres to realize justice in solidarity with those who are made poor, the exploited, disinherited, excluded, and oppressed.
2. Engage in critical and constructive theological exploration of the major socio-political, economic, and cultural ideologies, institutions, and forces shaping various publics today.
3. Understand, evaluate, and implement diverse ministry models (e.g. direct action, community organizing, policy advocacy) for attaining social justice and promoting the common good.
4. Lead organizations, groups, and movements with administrative, financial, interpersonal, and online/digital competence.
5. Inhabit and promote spiritual wisdoms and practices to sustain personal and communal struggles for public justice.