Do not refuse to lend them something, just because the year when debts are canceled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. If you refuse to make the loan, they will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be held guilty.

If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard.

But he refused; instead, he had him thrown into jail until he should pay the debt.

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat.

What good is there in your saying to them, "God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!"---if you don't give them the necessities of life?

This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others!

If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?