Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Today’s memory verse unequivocally reaffirms God’s concern for the needy as an indisputable truth. This proverb is an absolute divine law, just like gravity and other natural laws, and it should be trusted and believed in without any doubt. Caring for the disadvantaged is a matter deeply cherished by the Almighty, and it is integral to our faith to be mindful of their condition in our midst. Assisting the less fortunate can be likened to loaning the LORD Jehovah. This metaphor is a potent one. The true God is an exceptionally reliable debtor. He guarantees repayment, along with additional interest and blessings. It is an undeniable truth that we cannot surpass God in generosity. When we extend grace and compassion to the less fortunate, not only does it please God, but He regards our actions as a loan extended to Him. When we act as a channel for God’s blessings and fulfill the needs of others, God promises to restore to us all that we have given and more.
It is noteworthy that giving to the poor is of great significance as it is associated with blessings and repercussions by God. Generosity towards the less fortunate is linked with financial blessings for the giver. Proverbs 22:9 says, “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” The act of altruism, whether through material gifts or acts of service, engenders a profound sense of satisfaction and tranquility. It allows us to emulate and manifest the love and compassion inherent in our spiritual beliefs. This sense of joy and contentment is a direct result of our obedience to God’s call to assist the less fortunate. Conversely, withholding assistance from those in need can have detrimental financial consequences for individuals prioritizing selfishness over generosity. Proverbs 21:13 says, “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” The level of assistance we receive is directly linked to the level of assistance we provide. Neglecting the pleas of the impoverished may result in our own pleas being disregarded. Those who are receptive should take note. When we are compelled by the compassion of the Lord to aid others, these acts exemplify our transformation into the image and character of our role model, Jesus. Wise individuals with faith find joy in assisting the less fortunate. They firmly believe that charity is the highest form of grace and a defining characteristic of Christianity. They understand that one of the main purposes of hard work is to have more resources to give.
Beloved, recognize that the intention behind God’s blessings in your life is for you to be His divine treasure, and one of your responsibilities is to assist those in need. Your obedience in fulfilling this responsibility will result in increased blessings from Him. If you consistently and generously give to the poor, you will undoubtedly be blessed abundantly. It is an undeniable truth that givers never lack. Make a firm decision to allocate a portion of your regular income to help those in need, starting today. God will ensure that every gift you bestow upon the less fortunate will be repaid. Not only will you be repaid the principal amount, but you will also receive interest, leaving you with more than you gave. When you give to the LORD, you are making an investment that will never result in loss. By focusing on enriching the lives of others and prioritizing their well-being over your own, you are positioning yourself to receive blessings. If you have been hesitant to give to someone in need, remember that in doing so, you are essentially providing a loan to God. Remember, continue to be generous and share your blessings with others.
O Lord, grant me the grace to generously and cheerfully give to those in need in Jesus’ Name.