Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. “O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you.” But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask. They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. “He has some fatal disease,” they say. “He will never get out of that bed!” Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
Psalms 41:1-13 NLT
Being kind to the poor brings joy. When you look out for the outcast, God looks out for you. True prosperity in the land is not only when the hardworking prosper but also when the suffering find comfort. It is too easy to ignore the outcast and those in need. The poor are not a problem – they are people. Give more than handouts – give your time, your care, and your compassion.
David confessed his sin to the Lord and asked for mercy, and yet he also claimed that he was innocent (v.12). He knew that the Lord would forgive him and that he was clean, yet he continued to ask for forgiveness and mercy. David could assert his innocence and his shortcomings at the same time. Some Christians today rest on Christ’s forgiveness and do not do enough repentance, allowing Jesus to change their hearts. Other Christians are all too aware of their sins but do not allow themselves to feel the confidence that comes from the grace-filled forgiveness of the Savior. Walk with Jesus and live with both humility and confidence.
How can you rest secure in God’s forgiveness, and in that security honestly evaluate your life and where you need to change? How can you show real kindness to the poor and those in need?
