Proverbs 19:17 - Loaning money to God

We've all heard stories (or seen YouTube videos) of scam artists. I've had enough encounters with con artists to justify cynicism and suspicion of anyone looking for a handout. 

On the other hand,  my mom told me the following story multiple times.

She was in a grocery store parking lot and was approached by a woman, accompanied by a couple kids. She wanted help buying groceries. So my mom helped her out.

You may want to imagine: the woman somehow was able to pay my mom back, they became great friends, the woman turned around and "payed it forward" to someone else. No, there was no Hallmark ending. My mom never saw the woman again. 

My mom took Proverbs 19:17 at face value:
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!"
(New Living Translation, 2015)

She would quote that verse every time she retold the story. My parents believed in accountability over against gullibility. But my mom didn't view it as her money to keep, nor was she giving the money to this woman. She was lending  it to the Lord. She didn't have to fret over money put into God's account.

Jesus taught generosity as well:
"...if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. 35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.
38 "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:34-35; 38, NLT 2015)

Father God, You never tell us the interest rate on money loaned to You. We know You're good for it! As we have freely received Your blessings, open our hearts to freely give to those who can never repay us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. (Matthew 10:8)

Photo credit: Garofalo's Groceries @ Glenwood Plaza, mid 60's, 183rd + Halsted {Chuck Bowi}