Divine Paybacks

Day Fifty-Two

Divine Paybacks (Read Proverbs 19:16-29)

"Jesus refers to the poor over and over again. Two thousand verses of Scripture call upon us to respond to the needs of people experiencing poverty. And yet, I find that when Christians talked about values in this last election that was not on the agenda, that was not a concern. If you were to get the Christian Coalition voter guide, that does not rate. They talk more about tax cuts for people who are wealthy than they do about helping poor people who are in desperate straits." ~ Tony Campolo

Helping those in need is a powerful testament to faith and compassion in a self-interest-driven world. The ancient wisdom that "In helping the poor, one is lending to the LORD" reminds us that our generosity is a moral obligation and a spiritual investment. This profound truth assures us that when we extend a hand to the less fortunate, we do so under the watchful eyes of the divine. As Scripture teaches, God is faithful to repay such debts, ensuring that those who give with a pure heart will be richly rewarded, not necessarily with material blessings but in the more profound riches of spiritual fulfillment and divine favor.

¹⁷ Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
    and he will reward them for what they have done.

No waste has occurred when serving those experiencing poverty. Even if your actions are unappreciated or unacknowledged here on earth, God knows what you've done and faithfully rewards you (Matt. 25:34–40).

Jesus taught his disciples that kind acts done to the needy were acts done to him (Matt 25:31; cf. Jas 1:27).

Close your eyes for a moment, and imagine you are walking down the city street and you come upon some unhoused people panhandling. They are attempting to get your attention; how does this make you feel? Do you look away? Do you cross the street? You are with your soul mate; you stopped at the ATM on the way downtown, so you have cash at your disposal. Do you dig in your pocket or purse for a couple of one-dollar bills or offer more? Lack of money is not your dilemma; you have secured the cash for a dinner date. If Jesus had your money in his pocket, would he give it to them, or would he proceed to enjoy an extravagant meal? What's your choice to be? Be honest: would you choose to have a tasty dinner with the love of your life or give your money to those in need? How many of God's rewards have you missed out on because you chose the latter?

Giving to the poor is lending to the LORD. God will not only pay back the amount loaned but will pay good interest as well. "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward." (Matthew 10:42).

Henry Bosch illustrates:

A father once gave his boy a half dollar, telling him he could do with it as he pleased. Later, when he asked about it, the little fellow said he had lent it to someone. "Did you get good security?" inquired his father. "Yes, I gave it to a poor beggar who looked hungry!" "O, how foolish you are. You'll never get it back!" "But Dad, I have the best security; for the Bible says, he that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord!" Thinking this over, the Christian father was so pleased that he gave his son another half-dollar! "See!" said the boy. "I told you I'd get it again, only I didn't think it would come so soon!"

We lose what on ourselves we spend,

We have, as treasures without end,

Whatever, Lord, to Thee we lend,

Who givest all.

~ Christopher Wordsworth

Seeing the wounded, excluded, and suffering through the eyes of God is painful to both our ego and our God-consciousness. Your ego says, "Keep it all for yourself; they chose their fate; it's not your job to pay for their carelessness!" Your God-consciousness says, "Take care of my people, feed them, love them, and serve them." Who is winning the battle inside your soul?

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.