A Chapter of Proverbs a Day…
Scripture: Proverbs 14:21
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
Observation: It is sinful to not care for those around you. Those who help others will be rewarded.
Application: On first reading of this passage, I thought about my neighbors who live right next to me and how thankful I am that I really do enjoy them.
But I think the ‘neighbor’ referred to here refers to anyone on the earth. We are all neighbors in a sense and we are called to care for our fellow man, near and far away. And there are plenty who are needy in many ways, both near and far.
I think this verse is telling me to be sure to share my love and the love of Christ with people everywhere, in addition to sharing my resources who may have a need for those, too.
Needs encompass food, shelter, clothing, and things money can buy, as well as the need for an understanding of the love of Christ. And I am called to be kind to the needy, which I think means that I am called to help provide for those who are in any kind of need.
I am thankful that I have the opportunity to share resources in several ways and I am also thankful that I am able to share the love of Christ here, in person and as on Online Missionary through Global Media Outreach.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the countless blessings you have given me in my life. And thank you for the reminders you send me to share those blessings with those around me, near and far.
It is exciting to share what you have given me, both in material things and in your love and forgiveness. Thank you for showing me how to share and, please Lord, guide me in continuing to share in the ways you have set out for me.
And please help those who may not even understand that how much they have to share see it and gain the joy and blessing that comes in sharing your gifts.
** I’d love to have you join me in reading a chapter of Proverbs a day in April. Feel free to jump in with today’s date!
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