KIND TO THE NEEDY

roverbs 14:21
 
KIND TO THE NEEDY
 
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbour, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. (Proverbs 14:21)
 
This is another of Proverb’s verses of opposites, both in the actions and in the consequences.
 
The first half points to negative behaviour, and to what we all do at times without even realizing that we are despising or critically judging a neighbour. A neighbour could refer to anyone we encounter on life’s journey, be they a stranger we pass on the street or encounter on a bus or in a shop. It could be the person next door or in the workplace or even among our relatives.
 
Who are these people whom we despise? Are they not just people who don’t fit our stereotype of what a human being should be or do? Take another look, because Jesus turned our stereotype upside down when he touched the leper, cured the sick and had a special care for those rejected by society. Jesus saw each one as a child of God equally needing love and care.
 
The parable in Matthew 25: 41 – 45 is about failure to respond to the needs of the hungry, thirsty, cold or homeless and others. It is a sin not just against people but against Jesus. Lent is a great time for acknowledging those faults in our reaction to those we would despise. Turn to the positive half of the verse. The action is kindness, the result is blessing.
 
It matches the first part of the same parable in Matthew 25: 34 – 40 and is about actively helping, where we can, the hungry, the thirsty, the cold and the homeless, including the sick or in trouble. In each unlikely person, we will see Jesus.
 
The email asking me for a contribution to the Lenten Meditation coincided with a letter from the late Rev Peter Young’s daughter. The letter included words written by Soo Ewe Jin. He was acknowledging Rev Peter Young’s many years of ministry in West Malaysia and his focus on helping the poor and handicapped in the name of Jesus, his Saviour, Lord and daily inspiration.
 
Be kind to the needy.
 
Editor: Rev Peter Young was a gentle giant. A truly great Englishman who swapped his British citizenship for a Malaysian passport to serve the underprivileged here. He was a rare man amongst men, one whose heart of compassion was far bigger than any tiny ego he may have had. He never clung to power or fame, thus remaining unrecognised and unacknowledged for his great service to our people, whom he adopted and loved as his own. Peter was an exemplary person. He has done a great service for Malaysians. He is an inspiration to many of us, as his life speaks louder than his words. Many people have probably never heard of him, as he is not one to ‘blow his own trumpet’…Peter was one of Malaysia’s greatest humanitarians, a wonderful man of God. (Source: “A Gentle Giant Passes” written by Amar-Singh HSS and Lim Swee Im.) Peter passed away on 28.6.2014, aged 88).
 
 
Ponder
Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. [Mark Twain] A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. [William A Ward]
 
Practice
Try adding other names of local people or world-wide saints who have been examples to you of that selfless kindness which brings blessings to us all.
 
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the compassion and love you have shown to us. I pray that I will follow your example, being compassionate, kind and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in your love. (A prayer based on Psalm 103:8)