Let’s examine this verse (all verses are KJV),
When we lend and give to the poor, we are giving to Jesus. This correlates with this verse,
In the extended passage, Jesus was teaching his disciples to not neglect the thirsty, hungry, unclothed stranger, sick, and prisoner.
Those who showed compassion and helped those in need were told this,
Those who didn’t help those in need were told this,
Having pity on the poor is having the heart of Jesus. It is an indication of someone having the Holy Spirit. We can’t help everyone and having healthy boundaries is good, yet having pity and doing what we can as God gives is key.
True, many people who help the poor aren’t Christian, yet they are partaking in the goodness of God when giving to others. If they are doing it from their heart, God is calling them and they will hear if they love the truth.
Many people may go through the motions of doing good works, yet not for the right reasons. Maybe well-intentioned Christians are making them feel guilty to do good works, yet their heart isn’t in it. We shouldn’t do anything we don’t feel led to do with our conscience, even if others are trying to scare us, intimidate us, guilt trip us, twist scripture, etc.
The faith of Jesus Christ wants us to understand and believe in the truth before we act on our doubt and unbelief. If we have understanding and confidence in what we believe, doing good works will come naturally, including helping the poor.
The Proverbs verse also explains that those who lend unto the poor God will pay back. One way or another, Jesus will get you back; if not monetarily then with something better.
I remember a verse where Jesus says to invite those to dinner who can’t pay you back, rather than those who can repay. The idea is, don’t give just to get back. So, even though God will recompense us, we aren’t to expect it or do the deed for that reason.
I understand that many people are on the streets and in poverty for their own choices and enabling them isn’t the answer. Sometimes, giving someone your time and counsel is better than money.
With discernment, we can have pity on the poor among us, praying for and giving to them if God leads. If someone has a hard heart toward the poor, consider the reason and try to let verses like this work in your heart.
Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
When we lend and give to the poor, we are giving to Jesus. This correlates with this verse,
Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
In the extended passage, Jesus was teaching his disciples to not neglect the thirsty, hungry, unclothed stranger, sick, and prisoner.
Those who showed compassion and helped those in need were told this,
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Those who didn’t help those in need were told this,
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, in to everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Having pity on the poor is having the heart of Jesus. It is an indication of someone having the Holy Spirit. We can’t help everyone and having healthy boundaries is good, yet having pity and doing what we can as God gives is key.
True, many people who help the poor aren’t Christian, yet they are partaking in the goodness of God when giving to others. If they are doing it from their heart, God is calling them and they will hear if they love the truth.
Many people may go through the motions of doing good works, yet not for the right reasons. Maybe well-intentioned Christians are making them feel guilty to do good works, yet their heart isn’t in it. We shouldn’t do anything we don’t feel led to do with our conscience, even if others are trying to scare us, intimidate us, guilt trip us, twist scripture, etc.
The faith of Jesus Christ wants us to understand and believe in the truth before we act on our doubt and unbelief. If we have understanding and confidence in what we believe, doing good works will come naturally, including helping the poor.
The Proverbs verse also explains that those who lend unto the poor God will pay back. One way or another, Jesus will get you back; if not monetarily then with something better.
I remember a verse where Jesus says to invite those to dinner who can’t pay you back, rather than those who can repay. The idea is, don’t give just to get back. So, even though God will recompense us, we aren’t to expect it or do the deed for that reason.
I understand that many people are on the streets and in poverty for their own choices and enabling them isn’t the answer. Sometimes, giving someone your time and counsel is better than money.
With discernment, we can have pity on the poor among us, praying for and giving to them if God leads. If someone has a hard heart toward the poor, consider the reason and try to let verses like this work in your heart.
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