Leaving something for the poor and the animals

Leviticus 19: 9-10 and 23-25

I love these verses. God commands that when the Israelites take possession of the land they must not reap the harvest to the very edges of the land or vineyard, and that when fruit trees are planted the fruit may not be eaten for the first five years. Right from the very beginning, God wants to establish an economic system that is fair not only to the people, but also to the poor and the animals. By leaving some of the harvest in the field, the farmer provides the capacity for the poor to survive with dignity and for the animals to have what is left over. Faith in God prevents the Israelites from feeling the need to squeeze the last drop of water from the stone, but rather, they know he will provide sufficient abundance that they, the poor, and the animals will all be able to get enough.

While most of us don't have fields anymore, I believe there is still something to learn from the spirit of these laws. If you have a fruit tree in the backyard and animals come to take some of the fruit, don't begrudge them the treat. And have enough faith to always share with others, even when it seems like the times are lean.