God Blesses Those Who Help The Poor

I want to share with you a touching story about a woman named Eileen. She lived out in the country and hitchhiked regularly into the city to shop regardless of the weather. In winter she wore plastic bags over her boots to keep her feet dry.

Eileen was named “the bag lady” by those seeing her trudge along the highway laden down with shopping bags. Sadly, Eileen died of a tragic death when struck down by a motorist.

Lynda decided to attend Eileen’s funeral. Few would attend she thought. When she arrived at the church the parking lot was full. She assumed the choir had gathered together for practice. What a surprise to walk into the church and see it packed. She realized many came to pay their last respect to Eileen, and rightfully so. She was a child of God; put on this earth for a special purpose. It’s possible Eileen never knew what her true purpose was, but God in time would reveal what it was.  

One morning while in prayer Lynda said to the Lord, “Eileen had it rough. What was her purpose in life?” To her astonishment, the Lord replied, “To give people an opportunity to be kind.”

Lynda smiled as she recalled the numerous people including herself who stopped to give Eileen a drive. She recalled the conversations they had and how Eileen never complained about her lot in life. Her story serves as a reminder; the Lord sees every act of kindness, every gift of money or time given to bless someone less fortunate than ourselves.

The Bible says the poor will always be among us and we know this to be true. And the Lord encourages us to help those less fortunate than ourselves. There are several scripture verses in the Bible concerning the poor. Let’s read some of them together.

Deuteronomy 15:10-11 – Give freely to the poor person, and do not wish that you didn’t have to give. The Lord your God will bless your work and everything you touch. There will always be poor people in the land so I command you to give freely to your neighbors and to the poor and needy in your land.

Psalm 112:9 – They give freely to the poor. The things they do are right and will continue forever. They will be given great honor.

Proverbs 19:17 – He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay what he has given.

Proverbs 22:9: The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 – He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

Luke 3:11 – And [John the Baptist] would answer and say to them, “Let the man with two tunics share with him who has none, and let him who has food do likewise.” 

Luke 6:20-21 – Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now; for you shall laugh.

Dear Lord, I pray that when You give us opportunities to be kind; our hearts will be full of compassion for those less fortunate. That we will see them through Your eyes and do what we can to show love and give hope. Amen