The joy of being kind

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Judges 17:1–18:31 
John 3:1-21 
Psalm 104:1-23 
Proverbs 14:20-21

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 14:20-21 "A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich. The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The book of Proverbs is a wealth of knowledge. It is a compilation of wise saying and observations that are generally true. They aren't necessary true all of the time but they are definitely true most of the time.

In our Verses for Today, we come across Proverbs 14:20 where we are told what we know to be true - people tend to avoid ("hate" / "despise") the poor and try to stay in the company of those who are wealthy.

Why is this? Personal interest. When we are around the poor, we suspect that it will require us to give what is ours and receive nothing in return. When we are around the rich, we suspect that it will require nothing of us but some of their wealth may rub off on us.

Well, Proverbs 14:21 tells us what we need to hear if we are behaving like verse 20.

First of all, if we despise our neighbor (look down on and refuse to consider helping the poor who we see throughout the day), then it is sin. It's not just bad manners. It's an offense against a holy God. It is also a sin against a person created in the image of God.

Secondly, when we give to those who need help in spite of the fact that we think we will get nothing in return, we will get something in return. People who give to those in need realize that there is a joy attached to helping someone else. It feels wonderful to help someone in need. If you don't believe me, just try it today. 

Finally, rarely does the wealth of the rich slip out of their hands into yours. On top of this, it is utterly self-centered to try to befriend someone who is wealthy simply because of what you can get out of them.

So, today, see those around you as people of value. Don't base your judgment of their worth upon what you perceive to be in their bank account. Access their worth based upon the fact that they were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). And if they have a need that you can meet and you believe God would have you to meet that need, then do it and receive joy in return.