He who lends to the poor
By Tom Holladay
“Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.”(Proverbs 19:17, Msg)
God cares about the poor. He desires for us to be like him: to develop eyes and heart that have compassion on others. Compassion is simply "wanting to help those in need."
Who are the "poor" in our lives? We don't have to travel far to find those who are living in poverty and are in need of help. I'd encourage you to regularly break out of your "bubble" and join a short-term mission team.
But don't slip into the habit of having compassion only for those who live far away. There are also people we encounter daily who are in desperate need.
What about a grieving friend who has experienced a significant loss?
Or your co-worker who is so spiritually poor they continue to choose the world's way to satisfy their need for God?
Who has God been tugging on your heart about?
All that we have in this moment - our possessions, faith, health, relationships - are gifts from God. This verse reminds us that when we give to those in need we are "lending" back to God what is already his.
And then he rewards us. What a deal!
In God's economy 2 + 2 = more than 4. Remember the story of the widow's mite?
Or the miracle in Mark 6 of the fish and the loaves?
Whatever is offered to God (no matter how small it seems to us), he will multiply it in amazing ways.
Point to ponder: Though we may have little to offer, God can take what we give him and multiply it to bless others.
Verse: “Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.” (Proverbs 19:17, Msg)
What will you do about it: Look around and see who needs a touch from you today. Who needs to talk? Who needs a hug? Who needs to hear about Jesus? Let God use you today to bless others.
Prayer: Ask God to multiply your compassion.
