Are You Passing on God’s Blessings?

by Rick Warren — November 27, 2018

“God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies” (Psalm 41:1-2 TLB).

Some people are like reservoirs. They collect God’s blessings but then hoard them.

Other people are like a straw. They say, “God, help other people through me.”

A critical spiritual lesson is that God gives you far more blessings when you’re a straw than when you’re a reservoir.

If you want God to bless you, bless others—particularly the most vulnerable in our society.

The Bible says, “God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies” (Psalm 41:1-2 TLB).

God makes many amazing promises to those who give to the poor, but here’s one of my favorites. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (NLT).

God considers it a loan to him every time you give to the poor. It’s not a gift; it’s a loan.

And God promises that he will always pay you back.

Talk It Over

  • When you consider the descriptions in today’s devotional, would you say you’re more of a straw or a reservoir? Why?
  • How do you think God wants you to care for the most vulnerable?
  • How can you be more generous with your time, talents, and treasures in ways that help the poor in other nations?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.