Proverbs 19:17 CSB "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and he will give a reward to the lender."
Communism and socialism never solve the problem of equality and equity. Language, words, and definitions change so that the older permanent political elite can appease the younger generation and sustain votes. Today's verse presents a principle. God tasks each passing generation with the responsibility of teaching this principle to the next generation: "Disciple your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death" (Proverbs 19:18 (NASB); "do not set your heart on being the cause of his death" (CSB)). God says, because of sin ". . . the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying 'you shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'" (Deuteronomy 15:11).
Taking from the have's to give to the have-not's is not loaning to the Lord. Proverbs 19:17 reflects the command God gives in Deuteronomy 15:7–11. God's people were instructed to forgive debts every seven years. God warned His people not to harden their hearts toward the poor because the seventh year neared. God knew some people wouldn't help the poor because the poor would not have time to repay them. God's people do not give to the poor because of how the needy will benefit them. God says we are to graciously give to those in need and "the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and all your undertakings" (Deuteronomy 15:10).
We shouldn't expect unbelievers to understand God's principles. As Christians, we should help our Christian brothers and sisters in need and share the gospel with unbelievers. The more people saved, by the grace of Christ, the more people who help each other. Giving to others is loaning to God. God, who is eternal, will never run out of time to repay us. I have discovered a permanent political leader who will provide equality and equity. His name is Jesus Christ. In my King Jesus' 1000 year reign on earth (the Millennium), everyone will live in an equal and equitable society. Until then, God's people should help one another as if we are lending to the Lord. Sharing the gospel often entails also helping with people's physical needs. God's plan involves lifting everyone to a higher standard of living. Some days we provide physical needs to others so that God can supply our spiritual needs.
Lord Jesus, I know I can help the less fortunate. I can graciously give to them because I am lending to them, from that you have lent to me. I know you always repay your debts. You came to earth, born of a virgin, lived the life I should have lived (God's way), died the death I deserved to die. (because I hadn't lived God's way) so that my sin debt was satisfied. You were resurrected, so I know my sin debt is paid in full. Lord, You helped me in my time of need. Please help me to see and help others in their time of need. Lord, I understand policies cannot produce equality and equity, but a gospel changed life graciously help lift others out of poverty. Lord, we can give because you have already given your best, so we can rest from our debt. In Jesus' name, amen.
Daily Devotion
Our generosity lends to the Lord.
Verse of the Day, February 13, 2021
Proverbs 19:17 CSB "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and he will give a reward to the lender."
Communism and socialism never solve the problem of equality and equity. Language, words, and definitions change so that the older permanent political elite can appease the younger generation and sustain votes. Today's verse presents a principle. God tasks each passing generation with the responsibility of teaching this principle to the next generation: "Disciple your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death" (Proverbs 19:18 (NASB); "do not set your heart on being the cause of his death" (CSB)). God says, because of sin ". . . the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying 'you shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'" (Deuteronomy 15:11).
Taking from the have's to give to the have-not's is not loaning to the Lord. Proverbs 19:17 reflects the command God gives in Deuteronomy 15:7–11. God's people were instructed to forgive debts every seven years. God warned His people not to harden their hearts toward the poor because the seventh year neared. God knew some people wouldn't help the poor because the poor would not have time to repay them. God's people do not give to the poor because of how the needy will benefit them. God says we are to graciously give to those in need and "the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and all your undertakings" (Deuteronomy 15:10).
We shouldn't expect unbelievers to understand God's principles. As Christians, we should help our Christian brothers and sisters in need and share the gospel with unbelievers. The more people saved, by the grace of Christ, the more people who help each other. Giving to others is loaning to God. God, who is eternal, will never run out of time to repay us. I have discovered a permanent political leader who will provide equality and equity. His name is Jesus Christ. In my King Jesus' 1000 year reign on earth (the Millennium), everyone will live in an equal and equitable society. Until then, God's people should help one another as if we are lending to the Lord. Sharing the gospel often entails also helping with people's physical needs. God's plan involves lifting everyone to a higher standard of living. Some days we provide physical needs to others so that God can supply our spiritual needs.
Lord Jesus, I know I can help the less fortunate. I can graciously give to them because I am lending to them, from that you have lent to me. I know you always repay your debts. You came to earth, born of a virgin, lived the life I should have lived (God's way), died the death I deserved to die. (because I hadn't lived God's way) so that my sin debt was satisfied. You were resurrected, so I know my sin debt is paid in full. Lord, You helped me in my time of need. Please help me to see and help others in their time of need. Lord, I understand policies cannot produce equality and equity, but a gospel changed life graciously help lift others out of poverty. Lord, we can give because you have already given your best, so we can rest from our debt. In Jesus' name, amen.