S) "17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord,
And He will repay him for his good deed."
Proverbs 19:17 (NASB)
O) This verse was such a foreshadow of Matthew 25:34-40, that I couldn't ignore it. God's heart for the poor has never changed. It wasn't just Jesus who was moved with compassion when He saw the lowly. This verse is another example that shows that the compassion of the LORD didn't suddenly appear with the birth of Jesus.
A) It is never my place to question the history, testimony, or circumstance of a poor person. When God is moving me, calling me to act with compassion, and reach out to help the poor, I am called to obey that command to lend to the needy, not qualify their need. It's sad, to a degree, to think that I need the assurance of the LORD's repayment for my good deed; however, it is a comfort that God chooses that assurance for us. It is especially encouraging to think that, if I am giving out of my own need, that the LORD will essentially be my backer, taking care of my in turn, because He will repay what I give, and not forget the needs I may still have.
A) It is never my place to question the history, testimony, or circumstance of a poor person. When God is moving me, calling me to act with compassion, and reach out to help the poor, I am called to obey that command to lend to the needy, not qualify their need. It's sad, to a degree, to think that I need the assurance of the LORD's repayment for my good deed; however, it is a comfort that God chooses that assurance for us. It is especially encouraging to think that, if I am giving out of my own need, that the LORD will essentially be my backer, taking care of my in turn, because He will repay what I give, and not forget the needs I may still have.
P) Father, forgive me for the selfishness and fear, which have prevented me from obeying Your commands to give. There have been plenty of people, plenty of circumstances, that I am sure I failed to give when You called me to give. But, I thank You for the mercy You have given me, and the grace that You will continue to involve me. I am thankful to be used, LORD, according to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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