Recently, while reading a newspaper column about the importance of paying it forward, I was reminded of the following Bible verse:  “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.”  – Proverbs, 19:17
This verse is particularly meaningful at this time of the year. As families celebrate Christmas with gifts and food and welcome in the New Year with parties, it is important that we do not forget those who are less fortunate.

When you give to non-profit agencies that assist the homeless, hungry, unemployed and disadvantaged — like the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) — you enable us to share the hope and love of God with those who need to know that all is not lost. The number of people turning to us for help has risen to an all-time high. Imagine if the same situation is occurring at rescue missions and shelters in cities across the country! We cannot imagine having to turn away frightened mothers and children or hungry seniors or men lost in their addictions. These are the people in need of real help and real hope this holiday season.

DRMM is thankful for faithful friends and supporters whose hearts are full of compassion for the poor. Their gifts can mean the difference between a homeless man shivering on the streets or being able to eat dinner and sleep in our heated shelter. When you help those in need, you will reap the rewards of knowing that you have made a tremendous difference in someone’s life. This scripture from the Book of Proverbs says that giving to the poor is like lending to God Himself, and He will reimburse those who honor those created in His image.

That is a pretty powerful metaphor, isn’t it?  Are you paying forward your good fortune to help others? When you’re making your New Year’s resolutions on how to increase your finances in 2014, one of the best investment decisions you can make is to help the poor. Because God pays back with interest and blessings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!