Generous to the Poor

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“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

Proverbs 19:17

 

The heart that is inclined toward the Lord is compassionate to the poor. A generous heart does not turn away, but rejoices in the opportunity to help someone in need. There is giving, and then there is generous giving. It does not focus on what is being lost but is pleased with thinking about what the one in need will gain.

It is interesting that from the Lord’s perspective, generosity is a loan that will be repaid. Because the gift comes out of the well of grace, there will be a continual filling of the well by God for being generous in the future. The repayment does not need to be financial gain, and in fact the generous giver is not moved by whether it comes as a financial boon or a spiritual blessing. If financial, the generous only see such rewards as further opportunity to be generous.

In contrast, the reluctant giver has no such promise. There is no expectation of any kind of repayment for the deed, whether monetarily or otherwise. “God loves a cheerful giver,” (2 Corinthians 9:7) and only a generous person can be cheerful in giving.

For those without the financial means to be generous, there is tremendous news! The poor in spirit surround us. It doesn’t cost anything to be generous with words of encouragement. This too the Lord will see and repay. So then let us be generous people and reflect the character of our heavenly Father. In giving himself for our salvation, we have been given an indescribable and priceless gift.

Our Father and the Giver of every good and perfect gift, give us the eyes to see and the heart to be generous like you. For Christ’s sake and glory, Amen!


Devoted to keeping Jesus Christ the main thing.

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