Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need (Proverbs 21:13).

The book of Proverbs tells us plainly that if we shut out the cry of the poor, no one will hear us or respond to us in our own times of need. If we however open our ears to their cry and show mercy and love, in our times of needs, someone else will come to our rescue.  Jesus, our great master teacher, taught, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV).

If you want to be blessed, my advice to you is that you first bless others. Sow the seeds of kindness into someone’s life today and you will also be blessed.  The more you give to meet the needs of others, the more others will pour into your life.  This does not necessarily mean you have to give monetary gifts.  Simply share with others whatever you have.  Give whatever you can afford.  This could be a kind word to lift someone’s spirit.  It could be as simple as a friendly smile or a hello.  It could be asking someone you meet along the way how he is doing and actually stopping to listen to his response to show him that you really care.  It could be validating others when they share with you things that are important to them.  Responding to them will show them that you heard them, that you respect them and that you care.

I pray that God will help each of us to be gentle, generous and loving, one towards the other. I pray that He will give us eyes to see the needs of those around us, open our ears to their cry of distress and hearts that will reach out to them with tender love and compassion.