Tag: Lends unto the Lord

Lends unto the Lord – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.

“Give, and it will be given to you… with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Galatians 6:7-10: We reap what we sow; sowing generosity toward the needy brings God’s blessing, but each should also bear his own load (Gal. 6:5).

Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 2): Boaz showed thoughtful generosity, providing food for Ruth while also preserving her dignity and encouraging her work ethic. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35): He provided practical, needed help for the injured man, demonstrating true pity and mercy. The Jerusalem Congregation (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35): They generously supported believers in genuine need while maintaining accountability.

Discern between need and idleness: Ask: “Will my help meet a real need or enable harmful patterns?” Help in ways that restore dignity: Sometimes help is best given through opportunities, food, clothing, counsel, or job support, not money. Cultivate a merciful heart: Avoid hardness or indifference toward those who suffer. Even when you cannot give financially, you can offer encouragement, prayer, and practical care.

Helping the truly needy is lending to the Lord Himself, a privilege with eternal reward. But generosity must be paired with wisdom; unwise giving can short-circuit the very lessons God may use to bring repentance and growth.

Lends unto the Lord – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again. 

‘Lends unto the Lord.’ This proverb shows that when we show mercy to the truly needy, God views it as if we are lending directly to Him. It’s not simply charity; it’s worship. God identifies with the poor and promises to personally repay the giver. It’s a great privilege to “lend to the Lord” and an amazing thought, our Creator receives our acts of compassion as a personal gift. Very few recognise or act on this privilege. God as guarantor: Earthly debtors may default, but the Lord never fails to “repay.” This repayment may come as a spiritual blessing, peace of heart, or eternal reward (cf. Luke 6:38; Matt. 16:27).

Mercy is not enabling sin. The call to pity the poor should be exercised with discernment: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat” (2Thess. 3:10). Ephesians 4:28 exhorts people to work with their own hands so they may have something to share with those truly in need. True compassion considers long-term good: Giving financial aid without discernment can sometimes enable laziness, addiction, or rebellion rather than helping someone grow in responsibility and repentance. Let consequences do their work: Sometimes hardship leads to humility and change. When we remove all consequences, we may interfere with the process God uses to awaken someone to repentance (Gal. 6:7-8).

Thus, helping the poor is not a blind distribution of money to anyone asking; it is showing mercy in ways that encourage healing, responsibility, and restoration.

To be continued…