“Whatever you give to the poor, you do without a doubt put out at interest. This interest will yield you its returns later on when the labors of every man will be evaluated and multiplied honor conferred.”
Valerian of Cimiez, 5th century monk of Lerins and bishop of Cimiez in one of his homilies discovered in the 16th century, as recounted in The Quotable Saint ed. Rosemary Ellen Guiley (New York: Visionary Living, 2002) 94.
I love this reminder today from a sermon from a monk named Valerian that echoes a favorite proverb of Solomon. I appreciate how he raises our sights to consider the earthly and eternal implications of our generosity to the needy.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17
As the July draws to a close, if you have more than enough money to make it to next month, ask the LORD if there is someone in need around you in your church, network of friends, or neighborhood, with whom He might lead you to share.
This is a regular rhythm in our home that has resulted in rich blessings back to us and, in the words of Valerian, “interest” in our heavenly account.