Day 15 – Mercy

Proverbs 14:20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but the rich have many friends. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

• God’s names:
• Yeshuwa – Jesus
• JEHOVAH – Self-existent, Eternal
• Elohiym – Supreme God
• Agathos Didaskalos – Benefit, Well, Good; Doctor, Teacher, Master
• Heis – One
• Theos – Supreme Divinity
• KURIOS, Kurios – Supreme Authority

• God’s character:
• Love
• Mercy
• Joy
• Good

Every city has homeless people. People avoid them, walk away from them, and treat them as though they don’t exist. Then there are people who aren’t homeless but live, at, or below the poverty line. People avoid them too. People prefer to be around those who have a good income. When people take care of the homeless, or those with low income, they find an indescribable happiness that money cannot buy.

Solomon knew the Law. He read it daily as JEHOVAH commanded. He read Elohiym’s command to take care of the poor, and the blessings He would give His people when they took care of the poor and needy among them. He said those who despised their neighbor, sinned against Elohiym.

Many Christians treat poor people with disregard. They ignore what the Bible says about taking care of them. They prefer to live in their small world, going to church, Bible study, praying, reading what JEHOVAH said in His Word, but doing nothing.

Yeshuwa said the poor would always be among them.

John 12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Iesous came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 However, Iesous said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

Mark 10:17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Agathos Didaskalos, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 Then Iesous said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but Heis, that is, Theos. 19 “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 20 He answered and said to Him, “Didaskalos, these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Iesous, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 He was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Luke 4:18 “The Pneuma of the KURIOS is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the KURIOS.”

You are not to ignore the poor among you; you are to help them. When you do, you will find happiness and the joy of Kurios in your life.

Let’s pray: Father, help me to help those who can’t help themselves. Don’t let me walk away from them, disregarding that they live close to me. Bless me when I help others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 4 February 2026 by Valerie Routhieaux