When we think of happiness most of the time we think of receiving something. Maybe receiving money, food, gifts, etc. But regardless of what it is it’s the fact that it always involves us getting something for ourselves which creates happiness. Though there is a time and place for that (I am quite happy that I received the gift of salvation!) there is also great happiness to be found in giving. This is Part 2 of 5 in our look at Happiness in the book of Proverbs. To read Part 1 click here.
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:21
Happiness in Mercy
Another source of happiness is in having mercy on the poor. But if you do a quick survey of some other Bible versions and a glance at the Hebrew you quickly find that the idea of “mercy” here has less to do with an extension of undeserved forgiveness and more so of a generous giving of one’s own wealth. The idea is that if you are merciful to the poor then you are giving and generous to them. Is it mercy to simply pass by someone poor and cold and say: “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” (James 2:16)? Of course not. You would show mercy by giving them what they need!
It is in this generous meeting of other needs that produces happiness in our lives. I love how counter-culture this idea is. Culture will tell you to fend for yourself, save your pennies, and only give if it is benefiting you in some way. The Bible says: “lend to them [your enemies] without expecting to get anything back.” (Luke 6:35) If you start to look carefully into people’s lives you will soon discover there are a lot of unmet needs. If you see a fellow brother or sister with empty hands and you look in your own hands and see what they need, give it. Unconditionally give it. You will be happy you did!
Christ our Mercy
The reason people don’t give as they ought is most likely because they fail to see what they have been freely given. Just as we only love “because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) so we only give because He (Jesus Christ) gave us what we desperately needed but could never attain ourselves: life. It is in meditation of this free gift that we are inspired and encouraged to give to others. If the One who has all power on heaven and earth (Matt 28:18) has “graciously give[n] us all things” (Rom 8:32) then of course we can freely disperse our goods on those that are in need with full confidence that our Saviour will always supply our need. So give in His name, and give with thankfulness.
Action
- Praise God for His abundant mercy in Jesus Christ
- Confess to God your lack of giving and tendency to hold onto riches
- Ask God to show you the riches of Christ and lead you to give to those in need
- Listen to this post’s song: His Mercy is More