"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." -Matthew 5:7
Every theologian and writer begins their analysis of the fifth Beatitude by drawing from Psalm 41:1. The psalmist writes, "Happy is he who helps the poor, for the LORD will deliver him when he is in trouble." (Clear Word) Jesus speaks directly to those of means on the mount and tells them they would be blessed, be happy, if they look after the needy. Jesus doesn't only mean financially poor, though.
There are people who are morally bankrupt which need direction and encouragement to be deposited. There are people whose health fails them and they require patient care and love from those around them. There are people who are uneducated which need the careful instruction in the way of life. And certainly there are folks who cannot provide for themselves who need a hand providing the simplest of things for their existence.
At times we become callous and skeptical of those who continually ask for help. We have given and not received in return. We have been taken advantage of and it left a foul taste in our mouths. Our oath has been made to not be used again. But God has other ideas regarding the poor.
"Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back." (Luke 6:30) Jesus doesn't limit our generosity to those we love or even to those we know. Everyone in need is the recipient of our help. We aren't supposed to decide whether they are worthy of our help. We are not charged with searching out their motives (although as a faithful steward I sometimes wonder if we shouldn't conduct at least a little due diligence). We are charged with giving. God's concern is a cheerful, giving heart.
Christ talks of storing our treasures in heaven and Proverbs tells you how to direct deposit for eternity. "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." (Proverbs 19:17 NKJV) God is faithful with His return of merciful gifts.
My thought is this: Give freely, whether mercy or money, compassion or coins, forgiveness or fruit baskets; you never know when you will be the one asking for mercy.
No comments:
Post a Comment