December 9

I was trying to find the verse “except for the grace of God, there go I”, but I couldn’t find it. I have come to the conclusion it is a godly saying, but not explicitly in the Word of God. However, I could prove the concept over and over again from the Word.

The reason I bring it up is recently the Lord “tuned me up” (as a good friend of mine says), because of a lack of mercy and compassion. I had become a bit callous towards people who either live on the street or are beggars. The Lord stiffly rebuked me and then He gave me a second chance to show mercy.

Proverbs 21:13 (NIV84) — 13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

Proverbs 19:17 (NIV84) — 17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

I am not poor, homeless or have ever begged for food, nor will I ever. Not because I am so awesome, but because of the promise of God that He will fulfill. That doesn’t equate to me having any disdain or impatience towards people who are or do. In fact, as you can see, one of the ways to be rewarded in life, is to have compassion on the poor. It is hard to do that when you are criticizing them.

Today I am giving thanks that I have all that I have and the fact that I am irreversibly connected to a supplier that will never run out of supply nor love. I want to be like Him.