Our Poverty

 Proverbs 19-21; Romans 13

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done…If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”

Proverbs 19:17; 21:13

How we respond to those in need around us is a test of the true nature or our hearts. The call to kindness toward the poor means more than a handout. It speaks of friendship, dignity, presence, and love. This proverb says that when we are kind to the poor we are lending to God, and it is God who will repay us. It is a humbling reminder that not all our balance sheets are calculated in this lifetime. Some rewards await us in the life to come. We all are poor in various ways. Discovering our own poverty of spirit, relationship, love, or resources can cause us to be more compassionate toward others. Conversely, responding to the needs of another can be God’s way of meeting our needs. 

Whose cry is God inviting us to respond to today?

“Lord Jesus, open my ears to listen to the hearts of those around me; enable me to be generous and to love others as you have loved me, for your glory.”