Who do you think of when you think of the poor? Those on the street selling “The Big Issue” magazine, those who beg or the citizens of poor countries? Or do you know individuals who live on a low income or state benefit, or those who, for whatever reason, have ‘lost everything’ and now have to adjust to a very different lifestyle?
When most people think about the poor they think of those who do not have enough food, clothing or shelter. What about the people in the UK who are considered to be poor? Clearly most are not as needy as the ultra poor living in countries such as Africa and India, who surely should be on our radar when it comes to prayer and giving.
We might reflect on what is to blame for the plight of those in poverty and point to such things as capitalist exploitation, but this would be to disregard the contribution capitalism has made to improve the conditions of the poor. Similarly, we might point to the effects of social injustice, but it is equally important to reflect on ways in which society and Government have sought to provide basic care with dignity for those who can’t afford to pay for it.
With a global population in the region of seven billion, more than two billion of whom are considered to be poor, we can feel nothing but awe and admiration for those who have been called to a lifetime of service to the poor.
The Bible reveals God’s heart and concern regarding the poor in more than three hundred verses. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me” (Matthew 26:11).
The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 serves to remind us that we should reach out and help where we are able. Ignoring those whom God calls us to minister to is not a kingdom option.
Caring for the poor is a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament in Deuteronomy we read, “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open-handed towards your brothers and towards the poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15: 10-11).
Isaiah, the prophet, declares God’s commands to extend care to the poor in Isaiah 58:10-11 saying, “If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
Giving to the poor is emphasised by many of the writers in the New Testament, but Jesus and Paul in particular. For example the rich man is condemned for not inviting Lazarus to his table or joining him at the gate (Luke 16: 19-31).
One evening my doorbell rang and there stood a beggar asking for food. My initial reaction was, ‘Oh no,’ but then I invited him in and gave him soup and food. While I was talking with him I was wondering where it might lead – would he keep coming back? My family sat in the living room wondering what I was doing. Now, I wish I had welcomed him with more open arms and greater warmth, but I did not. I said to my family after he left that I had talked to him thinking that he could be Jesus – and in a sense he was.
“Each one of us is invited to recognize in the fragile human being the face of Jesus who, in his human flesh, experienced the indifference and loneliness to which we often condemn the poorest.”
I share this to demonstrate that we are not all strong in all areas of our lives. We all have tests but maybe we should see them as opportunities. I ask myself where are the poor in my budget? Will God be able to say to me one day what he said to King Josiah, “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" Thus declares the Lord (Jeremiah 22:16).
“He who bestows his goods upon the poor shall have as much again and ten times more.”
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17
“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” Proverbs 28:27