Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. (Psalm 41:1)

John Newton wrote, “If, as I go home, a child has dropped a halfpenny, and if, by giving it another, I can wipe away its tears, I feel I have done something. I should be glad to do greater things; but I will not neglect this.”

These days, it’s not hard to find someone in need of comfort: A care-worn cashier in a grocery store working a second job to make ends meet; a refugee longing for home; a single mother whose flood of worries has washed away her hope; a lonely old man who fears he has outlived his usefulness.

But what are we to do? “Blessed is he that considereth the poor,” wrote David (Ps. 41:1). Even if we can’t alleviate the poverty of those we meet along the way we can consider them—a verb that means “to pay attention.”

We can let people know we care. We can treat them with courtesy and respect, though they may be testy or tiresome. We can listen with interest to their stories. And we can pray for them or with them—the most helpful and healing act of all.

Remember the old paradox Jesus gave us when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Paying attention pays off, for we’re happiest when we give ourselves away. Consider the poor.

Father, as we go through our day, show us the everyday folks who need our attention. Grant us the love and the patience to truly consider them, as You have so patiently loved us. Amen.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think what a great way to start out this beautiful Monday. What a reminder, to consider the poor, the less fortunate. Use me today Lord and this coming week to extend a hand of love, encouragement and patience for I truly don’t know what that individual is facing but I can be a light in there life when life may seem so dark to them. Choose not to engage in someone’s outrage or rudeness, who knows what they are going through but pray for them and show them love, grace and forgiveness. Help us Lord not to take things so personal but to be your hands extended. Give someone hope today, it starts with a smile.

Today’s Reading is Psalm 41:1-3

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!