Kind to the Poor

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Scripture: Proverbs 14:31 (NIV)

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,

but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Devotion:

            My Father-in-Law asked me out of the clear blue sky one day, “Why does God favor the poor?” I had a head full of knowledge that told me that he probably was right to assume God did indeed favor the poor, but I was unprepared to answer the why question.

            Here in this quick verse from Proverbs we are given at least a hint as to why God seems to favor the poor. That mistreating the poor is an insult to their maker. (i.e., God) This flows from God’s Hebrew Scriptures that declare that we are to love others as we love ourselves. (Leviticus 19:18) The question we need to be asking is does God actually favor the poor or does he simply wish that they would be treated no differently than a rich person?

            The answer can be found a few verses earlier in Leviticus 19:15 (ESV) “15  “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” God is clearly just looking for justice in how we treat each other in every aspect of life.

            Jesus seemed to have a heart for all kinds of people from a foreign woman whose daughter was afflicted by a demon to the hated tax collectors. Even including one of the latter in his inner circle of 12 men. Jesus would reach out to anyone who was truly in need. He told the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate how we are to love one another regardless of race, creed, gender, or any other individual trait.

            Let us come before the throne of God to receive grace and mercy for the times when we have judged on the outward appearances. Let us ask God to provide us with discernment to judge rightly and justly.

Prayer:

            Lord open our eyes to see others as Jesus saw them. May we react to genuine human need no matter what it appears like on the outside. Help us to be kind toward everyone no matter their ability or desire to be kind in return may be. May Christians be known as a people who care for their neighbors no matter what the cost or consequence. May we forgive others generously and without complaint. Thank you, Father, for loving each of us so much that you sent your only Son to die for us. Amen.

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