Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily — Reason 22: A Heart for the Poor

June 22nd. Day 22 of walking through “Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily” — Part 1 of “A Gospel Primer for Christians” by Milton Vincent.

Today’s reason — A Heart for the Poor.

And about today’s reason, Vincent has this to say...

“Like nothing else could ever do, the gospel instills in me a heart for the downcast, the poverty-stricken, and those in need of physical mercies, especially when such persons are of the household of faith.” {Galatians 6:10}

Vincent furthers his explanation of this reason by saying...

“When I see persons who are materially poor, I instantly feel a kinship with them, for they are physically what I was spiritually when my heart was closed to Christ. {Revelation 3:17-20} Perhaps some of them are in their condition because of sin, but so was I. Perhaps they are unkind when I try to help them; but I, too, have been spiteful to God when he has sought to help me. Perhaps they are thankless and even abuse the kindness I show them, but how many times have I been thankless and used what God has given me to serve selfish ends?”

Vincent goes on to say...

“Perhaps a poverty-stricken person will be blessed and changed as a result of some kindness I showed him. If so, God be praised for his grace through me. But if the person walks away unchanged by my kindness, then I still rejoice over the opportunity to love as God loves.” {Matthew 5:44-45} Perhaps the person will repent in time; but for now, my heart is chastened and made wiser by the tangible depiction of what I myself have done to God on numerous occasions.”

Vincent concludes with this...

“The gospel reminds me daily of the spiritual poverty into which I was born {Psalm 51:5} and also of the staggering generosity of Christ towards me. {2 Corinthians 8:7-9, Romans 8:32} Such reminders instill and me both a felt connection to the poor and a desire to show them the same generosity that has been lavished on me. {Ephesians 1:7-8} When ministering to the poor with these motivations, I not only preach the gospel to them through word and deed, but I reenact the gospel to my own benefit as well.”

Today’s reason to rehearse the gospel daily has this song on repeat in my heart. May we make it our heart’s cry today and everyday...

All I Have Is Christ (Sovereign Grace)

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You