Treat the Poor Like Princes

Treat the Poor Like Princes

Hook
The true measure of our character is often revealed not by how we treat the influential, but by how we treat those who have nothing to offer us in return. Heaven notices the way we treat the least among us.

Scripture

"He lifts the poor from the dust—yes, from a pile of ashes! He treats them like princes, placing them in seats of honour. For all the earth is the LORD's, and he has set the world in order."(1 Samuel 2:8 (NLT)


Explanation
Before anyone is called rich or poor, educated or uneducated, influential or ordinary, they are first and foremost people—created in the image of God. That alone gives every person inherent worth and dignity.

This passage reveals a beautiful aspect of God's character. He does not ignore the poor or look down on them. Instead, He lifts them from the dust, seats them among princes, and honours them. God sees beyond a person's present condition to the value He has placed within them.

If God honours the poor, then His children should do the same. To despise someone because of their financial status is to disregard the value God places on them. As the saying goes, if you treat a person like a king, you give that person the opportunity to display their royalty.

Application
Look beyond appearances today. Speak respectfully to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status. Offer kindness, dignity, and honour to those society often overlooks. You never know what God intends to do through the life of the person standing before you.

Reflection
How do I treat people who cannot advance my interests? Do my words, actions, and attitude reflect God's honour for every person, especially the poor and overlooked?

Prayer
Father, thank You for showing me that every person has value in Your sight. Help me to honour others as You do. Remove every trace of pride or prejudice from my heart, and teach me to treat every person with dignity, love, and respect. May my life reflect Your compassion and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Discussion Question
Think about your recent interactions. How can you intentionally show honour and respect to someone who is often ignored or overlooked this week?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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