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| A charitable couple giving money to a poor monk. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and He will reward them for what they have done.
Proverbs 19:17
New International Version (NIV)
Poverty does not always have something to do with money or assets. When we think about giving to "the poor", we often picture handing coins to some destitute street person with a scrawled sign asking for money. Or we might think about giving money to help a charitable organization that takes care of the needy. These are fine ways to help and we should be encouraged to help those who are in need of resources.
Some of us might be a bit strapped for funds ourselves to the point that there seems little we can do to help the poor with monetary giving. Keep in mind that needs are not always addressed by giving money. Volunteering to help others is an excellent way to lend to the Lord. Sometimes just hanging out with a person who is lonely, suffering, or sad can be as good as gold to that person.
Your time and your talent are God's gifts to you. They are meant to be used to help others. When you become a person who gives freely to others, you will find yourself blessed in return. Don't think that if you have financial abundance that just dishing out big checks is all you need to do. Sure, keep on giving away the money if you have it to give, but don't forget your other assets that God has blessed you with.
And if you don't have the money to spare, you surely have something that you can share with others. Be a light in the darkness. Start with the simple things--a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. See what happens. Receiving a smile in return for the one you've given is a good feeling. Someone out there needs your love and encouragement.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Poverty does not always have something to do with money or assets. When we think about giving to "the poor", we often picture handing coins to some destitute street person with a scrawled sign asking for money. Or we might think about giving money to help a charitable organization that takes care of the needy. These are fine ways to help and we should be encouraged to help those who are in need of resources.
Some of us might be a bit strapped for funds ourselves to the point that there seems little we can do to help the poor with monetary giving. Keep in mind that needs are not always addressed by giving money. Volunteering to help others is an excellent way to lend to the Lord. Sometimes just hanging out with a person who is lonely, suffering, or sad can be as good as gold to that person.
Your time and your talent are God's gifts to you. They are meant to be used to help others. When you become a person who gives freely to others, you will find yourself blessed in return. Don't think that if you have financial abundance that just dishing out big checks is all you need to do. Sure, keep on giving away the money if you have it to give, but don't forget your other assets that God has blessed you with.
And if you don't have the money to spare, you surely have something that you can share with others. Be a light in the darkness. Start with the simple things--a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. See what happens. Receiving a smile in return for the one you've given is a good feeling. Someone out there needs your love and encouragement.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38
New International Version (NIV)
I recently started a very part-time job and naturally have felt overwhelmed at times by all I need to learn and remember. One of my team leaders is such a sweet girl. Her smile and just a few words of encouragement have been a gift to me during these first confusing days.
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