Devotion: “Lending to the Lord”
Scripture Reading:
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
— Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
Personal Reflection:
At first glance, “lending to the Lord” almost sounds as if God becomes indebted to us when we give to the poor. But Scripture is not teaching that God owes us anything. Rather, the Hebrew meaning of lendeth opens up a deeper truth: to join, to accompany, to attach oneself.
When you show mercy to the poor, you are doing far more than offering material help—you are attaching yourself to God’s heart. You are walking in union with the One who identifies Himself as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the oppressed. In that moment of mercy, you are moving in step with His compassion and His kingdom purposes.
“Mercy to the poor is the bond of union between the believer and the heart of God.” — Adapted from Thomas Watson
This verse also reveals something about God’s love for the poor. He promises to “receive and join” Himself to those who look after them. It’s as if He’s saying, “When you love them, you’re walking so closely with Me that you are attaching yourself to Me.”
Contemplation:
How do you see the poor when they cross your path?
Do you see an interruption, a burden, or an invitation from God? What if every encounter with someone in need is a “God-created situation,” not only for their blessing but for yours? When you show mercy, you are stepping into a place where heaven and earth meet—where your heart joins His.
“Never look at another poor person through judgmental eyes. Look at them with the eyes of compassion from our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ask God to shift your perspective: instead of seeing giving as loss, see it as attachment—to His heart, His mission, His presence.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for revealing Your heart for the poor and oppressed. Forgive me for the times I’ve overlooked or judged them. Open my eyes to see every encounter with the poor as a divine appointment to join myself to You.
Teach me to give with compassion and not with calculation. Let my mercy reflect Your mercy. Let my generosity reflect Your grace. And as I give, let me draw closer to Your heart, attaching myself to You in obedience and love.
Create in me a spirit that seeks out “God-created situations” to bless the poor, knowing that in doing so, I am walking hand in hand with You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Today’s Challenge:
Pray for discernment to recognize one “God-created situation” today to show mercy to someone in need. When you act, remember—you are not just giving to a person, you are attaching yourself to the Lord Himself.
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