If there's one thing you need to know about God, it's that he has a soft spot in his heart for the underdog. The needy. Those who're often overlooked in our society.

What's more, God has a special place in his heart for people who side with the underdog. People who reach out to the needy. People who refuse to overlook the less fortunate.

We're not talking about simply having a social conscience. Or feeling sorry for people in need. Take another look at the verse for this entry. Notice the word openhanded? That's for people who argue that it's enough just to care about or pray for people in need. You see, being openhanded requires personal interaction. It involves reaching out. Offering something of value--whether it's money, clothing, food, or time. Making a real difference in a person's life.

The good news is that anyone can do it. You don't have to be rich. You don't have to be outgoing. You don't have to live in a big city with homeless people or in a poor country. You can obey God's command to be openhanded to the needy regardless of your situation. Whether you realize it or not, you have something to give.

If you made up your mind to get involved in the life of someone in need, what could you do? Could you change the life of a younger kid (maybe even a sibling) in need of a mentor? Could you be an answer to prayer for a mentally challenged or wheelchair-bound student at your school? Could you supply enough money to buy a month's worth of food and medicine for an AIDS orphan in Africa?

The possibilities are endless! Look around, take the plunge, and find out how cool it is to help others.

For the scoop on God's commands concerning the needy, turn to Deuteronomy 15:1-11.

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Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone Corporation, copyright 2006,  Used by permission. :