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Word of the Day: Proverbs 14:31

Word of the Day

"He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him." Proverbs 14:31

God has created everyone in His image and it doesn't matter what ones status is economically, culturally, politically or whatever; God has created everyone. It is interesting that He especially shows concern for the treatment of the poor. Matthew Henry says:

"…we deal hardly with any because they are poor; we reflect upon God as dealing hardly with them in laying them low, that they might be trampled upon. He reckons Himself honored in the kindnesses that are done them; He takes them as done to Himself and will show Himself accordingly pleased with them. I was hungry and you gave me meat. Those therefore that have any true honor for God will show it by compassion to the poor, whom He has undertaken in a special manner to protect and patronize."

In Galatians 2, as Paul and Barnabas were preparing to go to the Gentiles, James, Peter and John told them to "…remember the poor…" (verse 10). From all commentaries I have read, it seems that part of the reason was there were many poor saints in Jerusalem. However, I am wondering if the majority of the reason is that James, Peter and John heard Jesus say much about caring for the poor in His teaching. As they lived and walked with him, they saw firsthand how he cared for the needy. It's probable they were just repeating what the Master Teacher had taught them.

Father, cause our hearts to be tender and compassionate to the poor and needy. Lead us specifically to where we can help them and show them Your love.

Dedicated to Prayer
Dave
Heb 4:16