Discover His heart: He blesses our generous hearts
My husband has one of the tenderest hearts towards needy souls of anyone I’ve ever known. Because of his generosity, I’ve always said if a man came to him with a desperate need for a wife and a mother to care for his children, Tom would be tempted to help him out and give me away. He says this absolutely isn’t true, and I guess after over 40 years of marriage, I can assume that he means it.
One time a homeless man came up to Tom at our church during the lunch hour asking for money because he was hungry. Tom rarely gave actual cash to those in this situation but would buy them lunch asking that they work a little in the churchyard or help in some way, and this happened many, many times through the years. When he asked this man to do some work, the man replied, “Work? You want me to work? I don’t work, I’m just a bum!” Well, Tom had to appreciate his candor and shared the love of Jesus with him as they walked to the restaurant.
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and He will repay you!” (17) It’s a hard concept to accept, but it’s as if because of Tom’s generous heart in these situations, the Lord was now in debt to Tom. It’s similar to when we take a client out to lunch on our dime, our company reimburses us for doing so. Tom took the poor man out to lunch on his dime, so the Lord repaid him, to be sure. Those of us who know Tom understand that it wouldn’t matter – he just loves to give.
“How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands…They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” (Ps112:1,9) I just wanted to give honor today where honor is due.
The economic downturn has affected so many families today, and many have lost their homes and jobs. But no matter how difficult things may get for us as individuals, there are so many others who have it much, much worse. A simple meal or bag of groceries may be the only light they see in their dark tunnel. “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” (Isaiah 58:10) Our giving to others brightens someone’s world, and according to Proverbs 19, the Lord will reimburse us – we just can’t lose!
Moving Forward: Planning to do some lending to the Lord today; but because I am so indebted to Him, I won’t be keeping a record of it.
Tomorrow @ Hosea 1-7
Phyllis Benigas 