Handout Of Kindness

‭‭Proverbs‬ 19:17

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ 19:17 NKJV

Conventional wisdom is often the answer people give for not helping those who have needs.  Perhaps it comes from being taken advantage of one too many times.  In my life, though, it’s been less than that, just plain old stinginess.

My life changed a decade ago in this regard when I ran across this verse in my daily Bible reading. Now stop and think about this. When we’re “kind” or “gracious” to those who are poor, we’re actually giving kindness or graciousness to the Lord.  Jesus echoes this in the New Testament. 

Here is outstanding investment advice. Where else can you find a risk-free rate of return that pays guaranteed dividends in this life and eternity? History’s richest king, Solomon, tells you about a fully secure investment that yields a variety of large profits perpetually.

Helping the poor financially is like making a loan to the Lord Jehovah. The metaphor is powerful. The true God is a great credit risk. He will repay for sure, and He will include interest and blessings with it. You can never lose giving to the Lord. He represents the poor, because He has made them and protects them

Financial success is not hard. Give to the truly poor, and God will repay your kindness with liberal blessings. Economic prosperity was never so easy. Almighty God will send prosperity down on you. If you scatter money cheerfully, He will compensate you well.

If you hold back, poverty will come for sure. Of course, the world and your flesh, which are hateful by nature, do not believe this rule. How do you react when you encounter the poor, either in person or in the news?

The homeless person begging on the street corner. The immigrant looking for an opportunity. Those suffering from oppression and miserable living conditions. It is easy to feel sorry for them. But are we willing to do more than that?

This proverb challenges us to do more than have pity on the poor. It is calling on us to be kind to them, showing mercy. To do something for them. To help them where they are.

What I find most interesting in this verse is that what we give to the poor is considered as a loan to God.

We need to be careful here when talking about making a loan to God. When we do, we are not putting Him under any obligation to us. It does not give us any kind of divine leverage, allowing us to call in a favor.

Instead, as the remainder of the proverb 19 states, we can trust that God will not forget what we have done in caring for the poor and needy. But He will reward our faithfulness. The money and time we invest in caring for others will be richly rewarded. It is not time or money wasted or thrown away.

Caring for the poor and helpless in their need is something that God calls all of us to do. Invest in that. The dividends are much greater than anything you will ever receive from the stock market.

As you go through life, do not be afraid to help meet the needs of someone else. Trust that God will meet your needs and reward you for what you have done for someone else.

When we are willing to serve as a conduit of God’s blessing and meet the need of another, God promises He will restore to you all that you have given and more!!!

Father we thank You for this day and the breathe of Your Word that sustains us. Lord let Your abundant blessings pour out over my friend and family today. Lord we pray that You would give us a heart of compassion for the poor and needy, and as we lend a helping hand to those in need, we trust that we are doing unto to You. Lord use our hands to be of service to those in need, and use our voices to speak words of healing and encouragement to those that are afflicted and in distress today. Be a blessing.

Father, we love You. Amen !