At this time of year, we often think about ‘Harvest-Time’.  Traditionally this is a season where we remember to be grateful for all the food that we have and we sometimes use this time to share our food with others.

Our ALIVE value this week is, ‘We value justice and respect’.  Whenever ‘Harvest-Time’ is mentioned in the Bible, it is often linked to justice and respect.  It is an opportunity to create a fairer world.

Read the verses below, how do they tell us to show justice and respect to those less fortunate than ourselves?

‘When you harvest your grain, always leave some of it standing around the edges of your fields and don't pick up what falls on the ground. Leave it for the poor!’  ^{Leviticus 23:22}

‘If you forget to bring in a stack of harvested grain, don't go back in the field to get it. Leave it for the poor, and the Lord will make you successful in everything you do.

²⁰     When you harvest your olives, don't try to get them all for yourself, but leave some for the poor. 

²¹    And when you pick your grapes, go over the vines only once, then let the poor have what is left. ‘ ^{Deuteronomy 24:19-22}

These verses talk about the importance of sharing and not being selfish with what we have.

Think…Pair…Share…

1. What do you have that you could share with others?
2. How can you show that you care about our world and everyone in it?
3. How can you be more careful with the food that you have?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for all the goodness in our world.  Thank you for trees, plants, fruit, vegetables and everything that grows for us to eat.  Help us to take care of our world and each other.  We pray for those who do not have enough food.  Help us to know how we can help them and remind us to be careful with what we have so that we can share with those who need it.  Thank you for your provision in our lives.

Amen