An Account at the Bank of Faith

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; He will reward him. — Proverbs 19:17
Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most assuredly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward. — Matthew 10:42
Charles Spurgeon

Author

Charles Spurgeon

Summary: We should help the poor solely out of mercy, sympathy, and compassion, not to receive applause, gain influence, or secure gratitude. What we give should be regarded as a loan to the Lord, who assumes the obligation and honors our generosity with his promise of repayment, which is more valuable than any wealth. Therefore, instead of giving sparingly, let us build up a substantial account of kindness and assist the next person in need whom we encounter. Even when we ourselves are going through times of scarcity, we may humbly present the divine promise at the Bank of Faith. If we have treated the poor stingily, we need to seek the Lord’s forgiveness.

Generous Giving to GodEvangelism to the NeedyGenerosity in GivingCompassion and Mercy

We are to give to the poor, moved by mercy. Not in order to be seen or applauded, much less to gain influence over them; rather, we are to provide them with help, moved by pure sympathy and compassion.

We should not expect to receive everything back from the poor, or even gratitude; instead, we are to regard what we have done as a loan to the Lord. He assumes the obligation, and, if we see Him in this matter, we should not look to the other party involved. What an honor the Lord grants us when He condescends to borrow from us! The merchant who has the Lord recorded in his account books is greatly favored. It would be a pity to have such a name recorded for a meager amount; let us turn it into a substantial sum. Let us help the next needy person we meet along the way.

As for repayment of the loan, we could hardly think of it, and yet here we have the note signed by the Lord’s own hand. Blessed be His name, for His promise of payment is better than gold and silver. Are we running short because of the depression of the times? We may venture humbly to present this promissory note at the Bank of Faith. Has any of our readers acted stingily toward the poor? Poor soul. May the Lord forgive him.

Source: The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith. Translated by Allan Roman.

http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/abril.pdf