There’s lots of scripture verses regarding the poor. I love quotes too, and this one resonated with me. It speaks for itself:
“You will always have the poor with you, and you can help them anytime you want.” Jesus Christ
It is so true isn’t it? Whether we live in a big city or a small town or village, there are poor people among us. We don’t have to travel far to see them either. Why they are poor, we don’t always know. And when we do know, regardless of the cause, we’re still called to be compassionate and generous.
Another translation of Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay what he has given.”
Many of us give of our time and money to help the poor because God gave us the desire to do it, not because we expected anything back, especially from God. Yet He promises to repay what we gave. In other words, we reap what we sow in God’s kingdom. I chose verses from the New Century Version that speak about the blessings received by helping the poor.
Deuteronomy 15:10-11: Give freely to the poor person, and do not wish that you didn’t have to give. The Lord your God will bless your work and everything you touch. There will always be poor people in the land so I command you to give freely to your neighbors and to the poor and needy in your land.
Psalm 112:9: They give freely to the poor. The things they do are right and will continue forever. They will be given great honor.
Psalm 41:1-2: Happy are those who think about the poor. When trouble comes, The Lord will save them. The Lord will protect them and spare their lives and will bless them in the land.
Proverbs 22:9: The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Proverbs 28:27: He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Remember; it’s not always money the poor need. What about warm blankets and clothing for those sleeping outside. Others are in need of food and personal-care products. They are always welcomed. Most of us have way too much stuff in our homes. Stuff that’s good but no longer used.
I encourage you to find a ministry in your area that helps the unfortunate. Contact them and ask what is needed. Our city is blessed to have Under the Tent, a ministry that assists with the needs of those living on the street. Yes, the needs are great. But through the generosity of others, people living on the streets are shown love and compassion along with food, clothing, and whatever else the ministry is able to provide.
I pray my message today encourages you to help the poor in your area in whatever ways you can. God will bless you back for helping those in need. I know that He will, because His Word says so!
Great post Anne-Marie and the scriptures are a very good reminder to be the hands and feet of Christ. Another verse that comes to mind is Luke 6:38 because when we give, God knows our heart and in turn God blesses in the same measure. Moreover, sometimes when we help those in need, we may be entertaining angels that God has sent along our journey. One day I look forward to meeting those angels I helped. I often ask God to use me as a vessel for His Glory and pray that my eyes and ears are sensitive to those God brings along my path. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Thank you Lincee. Your comment greatly encourages me. Mike and I enjoy volunteering with our local street ministry. The needs are great, and God faithfully supplies what is needed. The volunteers do their best to live out Colossians 3:23. With God’s help, we hope to make a difference.