Scriptures from the N.I.V.
Cast Your Bread…
(C) 2002 by Charlie Read
“Cast
your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster
may come upon the land.”
(Eccl. 11:1, 2).
God is not telling us to foolishly waste bread by ripping it into pieces
and tossing it into a river or ocean.
In the Bible “waters” often symbolize humanity, and we are
being told to feed our fellow man. There
is natural bread, and there is spiritual
bread. We - as Christians -
are to dispense both.
When we see someone in need we are obligated to help to the extent
that we are able: “Suppose a brother or
sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and
well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is
it?” (James 2:15, 16).
When we give to the needy from motives of obedience and compassion,
we are at the same time insuring that our own needs will also be met:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with
the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).