Gifts & Giving 20

This post is Day 20 in a series of studies about “Gifts & Giving”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).


Gifts & Giving – Day 20

Proverbs 19:6

Many curry favour with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

The Thought

We return to Proverbs today for another deep truth from this wise writer. Where do you fit into this verse? Are you someone who wants to be around the rich and famous (maybe you are rich and famous yourself!) or are you one who would never do that sort of thing? Do you brag about the rich or famous people you know?

The following verse is a sad one: The poor are shunned by all their relatives – how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found. (Proverbs 19:7)

Sadly it is often the case that family members who are “different” are not always the most loved, or the most present in our gatherings, whether that difference is due to poverty, mental handicap, or a personality disorder. Often the rejection of these people is because we don’t know how to treat them, what to say, or how to cope with “abnormal” behaviour.

Jesus set us a great example in His walk on the earth when He became the “friend of sinners”, of the poor, the invalids, those who felt unworthy. He gave them the gift of His time, His love, His healing, His attention.

If Jesus walked the earth today He would not be found putting a coin in the cup of the beggar outside the supermarket (That’s where they are often found in my area.) He would be helping that beggar to his feet and taking him out for a meal. Or He would be sat on the floor conversing with him. Just giving His time and His love.

Action

Ask yourself today in this time of giving how prepared you are to give like Jesus did.

Pray for wisdom to know how and where to give.

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