Open Hands

We are called to have compassion for the people around us, so if we have the ability to meet a need, then we must meet it, according to Proverbs 3:27. An image to consider to illustrate the point of sharing what we have is the open versus closed fist when holding dry sand. A closed fist (one that keeps everything we can hold for ourselves) can only hold a fixed amount of sand while an open hand can hold a taller mound of sand while allowing some to pass through the fingers (illustrating others being blessed by us sharing what we are given). As sand is poured slowly over the open hand (palms facing up), a good amount of sand piles up and is shared by others. Challenge listeners to brainstorm ways they can share what they are given in order to be a blessing to those around them.