“Generous to the Poor”

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

BIBLE READING: 1 John 3:16–18; James 1:26–27; James 2:14–17; 1 Timothy 6:8–10; 1 Timothy 6:17–19; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19.17)

There is an unmistakable calling in Scripture to serve the poor, needy and helpless. Under the old covenant this meant foregoing extra profits to allow the marginalized opportunity (see Leviticus 19.9-10; Deuteronomy 24.19-22). God expected a concerted effort to be made to both give and provide for needs in the community. While not so explicitly defined for us, there is an evident need to sacrifice and sell to supply the needs of others (see Matthew 19.21; 1 John 3.18). These expectations often assault our identity and security in the world; But that’s what faith does. It is not rituals alone that please God but a change of heart that invests in the needs of others.

In my experience, we tend towards mere talk that may sound right but does not produce action. This is worthless (James 1.26) and proves our faith is dead (James 2.17). As John would say, “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth” (1 John 3.18).

Now, there are practical reasons for serving the poor. Without this focus we easily become self-centered, proud and discontent. We become more deeply rooted in present comforts than eternal glory. These are snares that can destroy and ruin our faith (1 Timothy 6.9). Specifically, “the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil” (1 Timothy 6.10). Culturally, wealth creates distinction and develops pride. But God expects us to see it as a gift and tool for ministry. We must not be lulled by our standard of living and ignore those in need. The calling of God is to be those who share and help as we are able, and sometimes even beyond that (see 2 Corinthians 8.3-ff). We must be “rich in good works, generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6.18).

More importantly, this calling is rooted in God’s actions towards us. As John stated, “…if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 John 3.17). Giving teaches us the love of God. Throughout history God has acted on behalf of the weak and helpless, the poor and needy. The gospel message is “that while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for us” (Romans 5.6). When Christ was on earth, he did not sit in ivory palaces, but ate with, touched and served those in need. As Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5.31).

While the ultimate goal is always salvation through obedience to Jesus, our work of ministry must involve giving to those in need. Let’s not be stingy or thoughtless with our resources, but open our eyes and give, like God has given to us. In doing so, we are “storing up treasure for [ourselves] as a good foundation for the future, so that [we] may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6.19).

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