The Needy

Today's devotional is from Your Life Matters: Daily Reflections from the Psalms

"He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight" - Psalm 72:13-14.

God is full of compassion for the weak and downtrodden. If God is going to save them, however, He must use you and me to do so. That means we must have the same compassion and pity, and act on God's behalf. You cannot wait for God to use someone else, especially if you notice the plight of the needy, for that is another sign that God wants you to be involved. (It's hard to accept, but some cannot see it—or don't want to see it—and therefore will not act.)

The wisdom writer taught, "Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God" (Proverbs 14:31). Where can you show kindness to the weak and needy? How can you get involved in justice and mercy issues in your country or another? How can you mix in evangelism so that your efforts are not just humanitarian but also help to extend God's kingdom?