Blessings from the Poor

Psalm 41
Happy is the one who considers the poor and helpless. In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health...

David believed that he received blessings for giving to the poor and helping the helpless. If David is in fact correct then the reaping list for giving to the poor (specifically) is an intense list. Protection, restored health, and good reputation...what about the new testament...

Matthew 25:34 and on
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.'...'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers or sisters, you did it to me.'

I'm pretty sure the poor have the potential to bless you than you could ever fathom. Eternal life is a reward of serving the poor. Don't get me wrong, salvation is not earned by doing these things, however they do speak heaps about a person's relationship with God. It's the "I'll show you my faith by works" James shpeal.

No matter how we look at this last verse...service to the poor does separate the saints from the sinners and we Christians would do well to remember it.

:) Another happy message from Noah