”On the Book of Leviticus states that the needy have a right to the “leftovers” of the harvest. Farmers are also prohibited from reaping the corners of their fields so that the poor can access and use for their own food the crops grown there.
In Deuteronomy, the 5th Book of the Bible, there is the requirement that every three years, 10 % of a person’s produce should be given to “foreigners, the fatherless and widows.” The God, who is understood to actually own all property and who provides the rain and sun needed to grow crops. In fact, every 7th year, during the sabbatical year, all debts are forgiven and everything that grows in the land is made available freely to all people. Then, in the great jubilee, celebrated every 50 years, property returns to its original owner. This means that, in the biblical model, no one can permanently hold onto something that finally belongs to God.
Today, we were reminded of this biblical concepts as we filed our 2020 taxes for The Blue Line Angels Church.
Thank you our Father for all Your provisions on 2020!
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Jesus thus joins respect for the poor with respect for God. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus also states “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s,” which is often interpreted as requiring Christians to pay taxes.
Throughout Christian history, taxation has been considered an essential government responsibility.
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
Thank you Dani @chamizo.tax for supporting and helping The Blue Line Angels Church exercise taxation through the gifts that our Father has placed in you. Thank you 😊 for your integrity and loving The Thin Blue Line family as you do!
Carla Ginebra de Garcia
