Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will reward them for what they have done.
I think this is probably one of those verses that can be interpreted in a very literal way. I tend to read this in a more prophetic, long-term-forecast sort of way. I hope and pray that I will end up with God for eternity. I believe that is where I will be. And I believe that part of the “deal” is trying to live like Jesus. Anything I can do for others is pleasing to God. I know I can’t earn my way into heaven. But I want to honor God with the way I live my life.
Holy Lord, I want every one of my choices and behaviors and words to honor you- just for the sake of honoring you. And in the process, I will love my neighbor. Amen
Becky, transforming
I do not, nor should not give help for reward. However, when I give to the poor or help someone in need, known or unknown to me, I always have a sense of warmth. I believe that good feeling is a reward from God. It’s kind of like his “thumbs up”.
Dear God, help me to give freely without expectation of reward. Your grace will always be reward enough for me. Amen.
Proverbs 19:17
This verse reminded me of Matthewe 25:40. To paraphrase, whatever you do to/for others, you to do me. I know he will be pleased with us for the service we do for others. I like to think of God sitting in on my stories at the Nursing home. In fact, we always sing Kum Ba Yah, (Come by here) before we start our story.
Prayer: Gracious God, it is awsome to think of you there with us as we tell your stories. AMEN
Friday February 7th, 2025
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
In the Bible, God speaks often of the poor and needy. He commands us to give generously to the less fortunate and to speak up on their behalf. To put our faith and love into action and do something about the needs of the poor. He wants us to feed the hungry, to clothe the needy, and to help figure out ways to shelter the homeless in a way that will help them get back on their feet again. All of us will have needs throughout our life, and it is no shame to have needs.…
Proverbs 19:17
Poverty comes in many guises. Economic poverty typically comes first to mind, but lonely people have a poverty of fellowship, depressed people have a poverty of joy and hope, disabled people have a poverty of mobility or a specific function. The list could go on. They all, as creations of God, deserve our kindness (not condescending pity) and support to help overcome or at least mitigate their poverty. Kindness like this honors God and has the potential to grow the Kingdom one heart at a time.
Prayer - Create in me a clean heart, O God and put a new and right spirit in me. Let it be a spirit of Christian charity aimed at kindness to the…