11/12/2021
Morning devotion
Friendship with the poor
Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them (Proverbs 19:4)
In this Scripture, we learn how our sinful and often heartless world behaves towards wealth and poverty. Not many people are willing to associate with others where they will see financial needs and be challenged to help. As a result, they shun poor relatives and friends and seek association with the rich, who provides an opportunity to assist.
A person’s love of one another is so weak that if someone falls into poverty, whether through business failure, illness or job loss, even old friends find reasons not to contact her.
Unfortunately, even in the Church, wealth attracts attention. The apostle James, delivered a rebuke to Christians when he said, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Remember, God raised you to be a blessing to others, and it is the poor who need such refreshing. The Bible says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17) Further, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25).
As a Christian, it is important to know some materially needy friends for the practice of your faith because the poor will always be in any community.
What is your attitude toward needy friends and relatives?
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Have a blessed day.
