Daily Devotional

-July 24, 2021-

Good morning, happy Saturday,

-Living Graciously And Lending Generously-

“A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.”

(Psalms 112:5).

Everyone wants to be known as a good man or good woman. The standards the society is one thing, God’s standards are quite another. To be good, we must do good to others without any hope of getting anything in return. The old expressions are true, “Actions are louder than words,” and “What you do speaks so loud I can’t hear what you say.”

It so so important to practice what we preach. Our character and our conduct must match our conversation. The psalmist says, “A good man deals graciously and lends…” A good man in God’s sight goes good not to show off, but to show God. In Acts 11:23-24, speaking of Barnabas, “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all with purpose of heart that they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great number of people were added to the Lord.” Barnabas was a good man who encouraged others in the Lord. He was known as “the son of encouragement. We need more like him today.

The word gracious is defined as, “Courteous, kind, and pleasant.” This is exactly how we as believers should treat everyone, saved or unsaved. We should show the love of Christ and point people to Him. Galatians 6:9-10 says,”And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to the household of faith.”

Lending, or giving to those in need is a very big part of showing the love of Christ in action. In the OT, the Lord commanded the Israelites to lend to their fellow Israelites with no interest. They could only charge interest to the Gentiles. The Lord Jesus taught us to lend and give freely, especially to those who can’t pay us back.

When we deal graciously and lend freely, God will bless us and we will guide our affairs with discretion. Psalm 112:6 says, “Surely he will never shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.”

Are you a good man or good woman by God’s standards? Do you deal graciously with others, lend, and do good for others in Jesus’ name? Do others see your courtesy, kindness, and pleasantness?

Have a blessed day being good and doing good with no hope of return. God will bless you and reward you. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean