A Helping Hand

Read Proverbs 19

If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—and he will repay you!

Proverbs 19:17

The Bible makes no excuses for the realities of life. Some people will be wealthy; some will be poor. While we can blame all kinds of circumstances, the fact is clear that even some of the poorest people in one country are very rich by the standards of another country.

So what do we do about it? The Bible makes it very clear that God’s people are to be concerned for those less fortunate. Obviously we ourselves cannot solve the entire problem of poverty; governments have tried to do that and often come up short. The most efficient and effective system involves individuals helping other individuals in whatever ways the Lord leads them. The promise is that in helping others we are helping the Lord, just the way Jesus described (Matthew 25:31-40). In addition, God promises to repay. But don’t wait for a refund check in the mail. God’s currency comes in many forms—not the least of which is great joy!

A WORD FOR TODAY

God settles every account.

Lord, let me be mindful of the needs of others. Show me how I can, with wisdom and sensitivity, help to meet those needs.