Psalm 140:12

"I know that the Lord will maintain

The cause of the afflicted,

And justice for the poor."

At the core of God's heart is a compassion and a passion for the afflicted. Why is that? Because those who have comfort today are receiving their full. Jesus said, "But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full." (Luke 6:24) Short term gain for long term pain. He's got good news for the afflicted, bringing liberty to the captives, setting prisoners free, and comforting those who mourn. (cf. Isaiah 61:1-2) This doesn't mean He's disinterested or lacks care for the rich. Look at the rich, young ruler found in Luke 18. "Jesus felt a love for him,". (Mark 10:21a) Look at me! I'm rich, and I am not afflicted, but God has nonetheless poured out great love, compassion, mercy and grace to me. But the afflicted and the poor, they rarely, if ever, have anything of ease in this lifetime.

'I want more of Your heart, God. Don't let me become callous. "Give me neither poverty nor riches... Lest I be full and deny Thee and say, 'Who is the Lord?'" (Proverbs 30:8b-9a). While I may never overtly utter those words from my lips, I may certainly and subconsciously tune You out at the ease and expense of my comfort. Help me to do the hard things. Cause me to see the poor and the afflicted with the eyes of Jesus, and not just with a heart that's moved, but also with a body that's moved by that heart. You've given me so much; don't let me use it on myself, but rather as a cause for the afflicted and as justice for the poor. Just contemplating this brings me great joy and puts a smile on the recesses of my heart. This is what You've created me for.'