Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 19:17 (NLT).
If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!
Scripture has much to say about how we care for those among us who don’t have enough. Previously in Proverbs 17:5 we read “Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.” When we don’t help those in need, it saddens God’s heart.
In Matthew 19:21 Jesus tells the rich young ruler “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The point here is not being ensnared by wealth and possessions and instead using our resources to help those who need it. However, the most important part is “come follow Me”.
This verse says we are “lending to the Lord”, as if He needed anything from us. God gave us all that we have, we are merely sharing the gifts He has provided. The statement “He will repay you” reminds us He has already repaid us by sending Jesus to save us from sin and lead us to eternal life.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we have not cared for Your children as we should. Help us to go in Your name to share Your blessings and Your love. Amen.
