Are you opening your palms and hands?
P
roverbs 31:20--What struck me with this proverb today was the image of palms. Those who study body language have some interesting things to say about "spreading out the palms."
It's a universal way of seeking cooperation. So, if we approach someone with palms up, we show that we're trustworthy, honest, and have nothing to hide. It’s a very strong sign of sincerity that we subconsciously accept as credible.
It's also why people who hide their palms while conversing can seem a little suspicious.
So, why does the Proverbs 31 woman spread her palms to the poor? She wants them to know she is trustworthy and vulnerable, too. It's a way of connecting, not as benefactor to the needy, but as equals in GOD's eye.
When she extends her hands, I believe this is the act of giving.
So, how does that work with us? When we give to those in need, are we vulnerable with an intent to truly connect as we give? Or do we give with no intent of connection?
Writing a check to help a ministry is great. Delivering a bag of groceries to a food pantry is wonderful. But, if all we do is give things, we may be missing out on blessing others personally--and them blessing us.
What if we drop off a meal to a sick friend, but we stay a few minutes and chat? What if we drop off the sack of provisions to the food pantry and then volunteer to help distribute? What if we visit that soup kitchen we support and offer to help serve meals on Thanksgiving?
Opening our palm and extending our hand could be a new opportunity to walk Proverbs in an innovative and meaningful way. Whatever GOD shows us to do, let's accept His open hand and do it.
May we open our palm and extend our hand, my friends.
Proverbs 31:20--She spreads out her palms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy. Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV#tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
It's a universal way of seeking cooperation. So, if we approach someone with palms up, we show that we're trustworthy, honest, and have nothing to hide. It’s a very strong sign of sincerity that we subconsciously accept as credible.
It's also why people who hide their palms while conversing can seem a little suspicious.
So, why does the Proverbs 31 woman spread her palms to the poor? She wants them to know she is trustworthy and vulnerable, too. It's a way of connecting, not as benefactor to the needy, but as equals in GOD's eye.
When she extends her hands, I believe this is the act of giving.
So, how does that work with us? When we give to those in need, are we vulnerable with an intent to truly connect as we give? Or do we give with no intent of connection?
Writing a check to help a ministry is great. Delivering a bag of groceries to a food pantry is wonderful. But, if all we do is give things, we may be missing out on blessing others personally--and them blessing us.
What if we drop off a meal to a sick friend, but we stay a few minutes and chat? What if we drop off the sack of provisions to the food pantry and then volunteer to help distribute? What if we visit that soup kitchen we support and offer to help serve meals on Thanksgiving?
Opening our palm and extending our hand could be a new opportunity to walk Proverbs in an innovative and meaningful way. Whatever GOD shows us to do, let's accept His open hand and do it.
May we open our palm and extend our hand, my friends.
Proverbs 31:20--She spreads out her palms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy. Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV#tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
Comments
Post a Comment