THINK TOGETHER.
Do you know what mercy is?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 21:13. Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
Solomon wants his children to know that God is not on the side of proud and selfish people. God made all of us to love, to love him, and to love others, including the poor, especially the poor. God wants us to hear the cries of the poor and find the best ways to help. If we don’t listen, if we ignore the poor, then one day we might call out for help and not be heard.
This proverb is reminding us of an important Bible principle – you reap what you sow. If you sow (plant) apple seeds, then you will reap apple trees and apples. If you sow indifference toward the poor, you will reap that same indifference when you need help.
Of course this doesn’t mean that we should only help those who have helped others. Yes, nice and kind people are easier to help, poor people who have experienced something really hard are easier to help, why? Because we like these people or feel sorry for them. But what about the not so nice people? The people who never helped you? Should we also help them when they are needy?
Jesus said it this way: Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy. Do you hear the “reap what you sow” principle? But obviously we also hear mercy. Do you know what mercy means? It means helping someone even when they don’t deserve it. Even when they didn’t sow kindness, we can be kind to them anyway.
Remember, God always hears your cries. Remember, if not for God you would be very poor. Remember, God has shown you all the mercy in the world when he sent Jesus to die for your sins. Remember, with Jesus and his love inside of you, you can show mercy to others too, even those who haven’t been kind to you.
Because of Jesus we are always heard by God, and always helped by God.
With Jesus we can show mercy to everyone.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Is there someone in need that your family can help? Have there been any “cries” for help in your church? Why not use this week to help meet a need?
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, your mercy was given to me even when I didn’t deserve it. Help me to show mercy to others, especially the poor. Amen.
TLICfamily 