Read: Proverbs 16–19

Today’s Passage: Proverbs 19:17

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)

As believers, we are called to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. This is not a minor suggestion in Scripture, it’s a repeated and consistent theme. From the Law and the Prophets to the teachings of Jesus and the early church, we are reminded that caring for the poor reflects the heart of God. Giving to the needy isn’t just an act of charity; it’s part of what it means to live a Christ-like life.

But this call doesn’t mean we are to take on every burden or solve every problem in the world. We are not enslaved to the needs around us. What it does mean is that we remain open, willing, and responsive to the opportunities God puts in front of us. We help as the Lord enables us, trusting that He is the ultimate Provider.

Still, the question arises: Are we free to decide who deserves our help? When we see someone on the street holding a sign that says “hungry,” what is our reaction? For many of us, it brings a mix of emotions, compassion, hesitation, maybe even doubt. We begin to ask questions: Will they misuse what I give? Are they being honest? Am I helping or enabling them?

These are real concerns, and they come from a place of wanting to be responsible. But for the Christian, these questions can become distractions from the deeper call. We’re not just giving to a person—we’re giving to the Lord. Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). That means our acts of kindness, when done in His name, are seen and received by Him.

Even a simple gesture, like offering a meal or a bottle of water, is considered significant in God’s eyes. “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water… will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). It’s not about how much we give or whether the recipient “deserves” it—it’s about whether our heart is aligned with Christ.

Serving the needy isn’t optional. It’s part of God’s command to love others. Our fears and feelings shouldn’t keep us from being generous. We’re not called to assess people like the world does, but to see them through the eyes of grace.

Paul praised the church in Thessalonica for their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). May we be known for the same, people who give, not out of guilt or pride, but because we love Jesus and want to serve like He did.