I read this yesterday and loved it:
The good-hearted understand what it’s like to be poor;
the hard-hearted haven’t the faintest idea. (Proverbs 29:7, The Message)
I guess the difference is having been there and not forgetting what it was like, nor others who are there today. I guess the hard-hearted either haven’t been there, or have blocked it out of their mind in pursuit of their own expedience. Where you have extra, you will naturally give to help others. And remember, there are lots of ways to be poor. It’s just not financial, but to be poor in health, spirit, emotional need, spiritual encouragement, etc.
Keep your heart tuned to the poor and you’ll find yourself having a heart for all kinds of people in all kinds of struggles. That will keep your heart soft, your perspective clear, and your mind engaged with Father’s work in the world.
The good-hearted understand what it’s like to be poor;
the hard-hearted haven’t the faintest idea. (Proverbs 29:7, The Message)
When I read that scripture, I burst into tears. What’s up with that? 🙂 Good tears. Grateful tears.
I think God gave me a great gift when he let me choose religion. I rarely felt pressured by other people, so I can’t blame anyone but myself. I heard his still small voice, but listened to my own brain instead. What a mess.
When I finally saw that I was in a pit (trying to reach God through my own performance), I knew that I went there of my own accord. When I cried out, he began rescuing me. Quite a process.
So, I know what it is to be poor — I did it to myself (with help from the enemy of my soul, of course). I am so grateful, because this allows me to be compassionate on people who are in their own pits. Even the un-Lovable, seemingly-dangerous people — they just don’t realize they are in a pit yet.
Lord, help them see where they are and wrap them in your care as you deliver them.
The good-hearted understand what it’s like to be poor;
the hard-hearted haven’t the faintest idea. (Proverbs 29:7, The Message)
When I read that scripture, I burst into tears. What’s up with that? 🙂 Good tears. Grateful tears.
I think God gave me a great gift when he let me choose religion. I rarely felt pressured by other people, so I can’t blame anyone but myself. I heard his still small voice, but listened to my own brain instead. What a mess.
When I finally saw that I was in a pit (trying to reach God through my own performance), I knew that I went there of my own accord. When I cried out, he began rescuing me. Quite a process.
So, I know what it is to be poor — I did it to myself (with help from the enemy of my soul, of course). I am so grateful, because this allows me to be compassionate on people who are in their own pits. Even the un-Lovable, seemingly-dangerous people — they just don’t realize they are in a pit yet.
Lord, help them see where they are and wrap them in your care as you deliver them.