Mar
10 |
“Feed the Poor”
Cindie Jenkins |
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Listen |
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Deuteronomy 15:11—There will always be poor people In the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. |
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Inquire |
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We have heard the adages, “We can’t all be smart; we can’t all be beautiful; we can’t all be rich.” (Although, I’d kind of like to have at least one or two out of the three!) But we can all be compassionate, loving, and generous. In fact, God commands us to be. It is not a suggestion, but a command. God’s Word tells us to not be tightfisted when it comes to helping the poor. |
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Faith |
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Many people are poor through no fault of their own, having experienced uncontrollable circumstances. It is easy to help these people. But, I admit it is difficult for me to help people whom I know have made some really bad decisions that led to their financial woes. God doesn’t tell us to first determine the circumstances that led one to being poor, He just says to help him. After all, God doesn’t tell us to first evaluate a person before loving him, He just says to love him. Most people think the old saying, “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” came from the Bible. It didn’t. The Bible says to help those who need help. I don’t think God intends for us to provide the means for someone to continue to make destructive spending choices anymore than He intends for us to provide the means for one to continue to sin. However, God expects us to show love and mercy to others the way He has shown it to us. I hope I never forget that many times, as a child, meals and housing for my family came from the loving acts of others. The old saying “The Lord will provide,” did come from the Bible. He often provides through the generous acts of His people. |
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Experience |
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Father God, thank you for all your blessings. Help me to always be mindful of your loving kindness and to show your love to others. Amen |
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