6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Over and over in the book of Proverbs, we read that those who help the poor and hurting will be blessed.
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.”
Proverbs 14:21 “The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.”
Proverbs 19:17 “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and he will give a reward to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:9 “A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”
Proverbs 28:27 “The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.”
We are also told that indifference to those who have legitimate needs will come back on us.
Proverbs 21:13 “The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered.”
Proverbs 28:27 “The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.”
Further, we are also told that how we treat the poor is in direct relationship to how we treat the Lord.
Proverbs 14:31 “The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him.”
In fact, Jesus picked up on this final theme when He spoke to His disciples. Listen as He painted a picture in His listeners’ minds about what the final judgment will be like.
Matthew 25:37-40 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
As our nation goes on lockdown, we are grateful that the government has stepped in to help many of those who are losing their jobs. But, there will always be those who slip through the cracks. There will be those are in dire straits through no fault of their own. They would work if they could but they can’t … so they are hurting.
Be open to how God would allow you to bless the poor and hurting, especially during these difficult times. For certain, there are always those who work the system but there will be those who are legitimately in need through no fault of their own. Allow God to give you the wisdom in who to help.
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Lord Jesus, these are very difficult days. Governments are shutting down segments of our society so that people are forbidden to work for lengthy periods of time. Those who break the law and go to work risk getting into trouble with the Law and also risk getting and spreading the virus that has been labeled a pandemic. So, help me today and in the days to come to be a blessing to others who desperately need help. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 