Compassion in Action

January 28, 2016

Compassion in Action

Proverbs 28:27

He who gives to the poor will never want,

But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.

Matthew Henry concise commentary

A selfish man not only will not look out for objects of compassion, but will look off from those that call for his attention.

Miyagi’s commentary

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said…”....to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’”  When we give to the poor and needy, we are giving to Jesus.  In sharing with the poor, we are honoring God.  This is so because the least one of these has a special place in God’s heart.  Jesus is always defending them and providing for them and taking care of them.  He expects and desires that we do the same.  

Somehow, there are people out there under the notion that if they give and share of their resources, they would have less for themselves.  However, in kingdom realm, it is the opposite.  When a person gives to a needy person, he will be blessed even more.  God will not be indebted to any man.  That means, when a person gives, God will give back to Him in many more folds.  And when we give to the poor our time, talent, and resources, we are giving to the King of kings and the Lord of Lords.  

Summary conclusion:

Your love for the Lord is only as good as the love you have for those whom you love the least.  

Psalms 112:9

He has given freely to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever;

His horn will be exalted in honor.

Matthew Henry concise commentary

From their Lord's example they (the righteous)  learn to be kind and full of compassion, as well as just in all their dealings; they use discretion, that they may be liberal in that manner which appears most likely to do good

Miyagi’s commentary

A person, no matter how rich, can never outgive God.  God owns the whole universe and has given us His only begotten Son.  God gave His all to us.  He has set the ultimate example of giving.  So a righteous person who fears God will give freely to the poor.  He will do it joyfully from his heart.   Those who refuses to share with the poor their time, talent, and resources will in the end be cursed by his own lack of compassion.  

However, make sure that when you give, you give to the least one of these.  These are people who cannot pay you back.  If you give to those who are already wealthy and well off, your giving will not be blessed.  It will be cursed.   We are warned  to “not cast pearls before swines” for they will trample on it.   For example,  giving money to the rich is casting pearls before swine. (They are not the ones in need.  And we will be giving with wrong motives).  

When we give to the poor, we are lending to the Lord.  And the Lord will pay us back.  

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17) .  And God is true to His Word… every time.  

Summary conclusion:

When a person gives to the poor and needy, he actually blesses himself indirectly.

The big picture:

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)

The Byword:

When you give to the poor, it is a win-win for everyone.  The poor wins.  You win.  And the Lord wins.  

Miyagi