It’s so true that you can’t force Hashem’s hand or somehow back Him into a corner!
One’s motivation and emuna are critical. If one is giving in order to GET, even to get something that’s kosher and permitted, then one is backing oneself into a corner.
I’m over 70, so I totally understand the concerns about having enough for one’s retirement years! It’s a very legitimate concern and needs to be dealt with responsibly. But, there are still the elements of giving and of having emuna in Hashem’s providence. I wrote about these in Miles to Go…Before I Sleep, You’ll Never Lose from Giving, and A Few Steps Ahead.
In my experience, it’s best to give with full emuna – and leave the outcome to Hashem.
8/03/2022
It’s so true that you can’t force Hashem’s hand or somehow back Him into a corner!
One’s motivation and emuna are critical. If one is giving in order to GET, even to get something that’s kosher and permitted, then one is backing oneself into a corner.
I’m over 70, so I totally understand the concerns about having enough for one’s retirement years! It’s a very legitimate concern and needs to be dealt with responsibly. But, there are still the elements of giving and of having emuna in Hashem’s providence. I wrote about these in Miles to Go…Before I Sleep, You’ll Never Lose from Giving, and A Few Steps Ahead.
In my experience, it’s best to give with full emuna – and leave the outcome to Hashem.