Mission Briefing
Helping the Poor Is Like Lending to God!
What if every time you helped someone in need, you were actually doing a favor for God Himself – and He was planning to pay you back? That might sound hard to believe, but that’s exactly what this proverb says! Helping poor and needy people is one of the clearest ways we show love to God in our everyday lives.
What Does This Mean?
This proverb uses a surprising comparison: when you are generous to someone who is poor, it’s like you’re lending money to God. And God always repays! This doesn’t mean God will make you rich if you give money away – it means that God takes it personally when we care for people who are struggling. He sees it, He remembers it, and He will reward it. This verse shows us how connected God’s heart is to the people who have the least.
Hero Challenge
Research one way your family can help people who are in need this week – a food bank donation, helping a neighbor, giving clothes to a shelter, or supporting a mission. Take one step to follow through on it, and remember: you’re lending to the Lord!
Did You Know?
Concern for the poor runs all the way through the Bible – from the laws God gave Moses in the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. The Bible mentions caring for the poor, the widow, and the orphan hundreds of times! It was clearly one of the things closest to God’s heart throughout all of Scripture.
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
The Bible says when we help someone who is poor, it’s like helping God! Can you think of one way to help someone who doesn’t have as much as you do?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think God takes it personally when we help people who are poor or in need? What does that tell us about how much God loves those people?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
This verse says God will “repay” those who are generous to the poor. How does that promise affect the way you think about generosity – is it still a selfless act if you know God rewards it? What makes your motive important?
♥ Mission Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to the needs of people around me. Help me to be generous with what I have, knowing that when I help others, I am showing love to You. Amen.
