Caring For the Needy

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. Psalms 41:1

One of the most common excuses for not giving to the needy is: ‘I had to work hard for what I’ve got; so should they.’ True, the Bible teaches that if you’re not willing to work you’re not entitled to support (2 Thessalonians 3:10). But did you know: 1) Six million children under five die every year of starvation? 2) One out of seven people goes to bed hungry every night? 3) The three richest people on the planet have more collective wealth than the combined gross national product of the world’s forty-eight poorest countries? General Booth, who founded the Salvation Army, said, ‘How can you convince a man of the love of God if his feet are perishing with the cold?’ If your prayers aren’t being answered, here’s something to consider. The Israelites fasted and prayed, then complained that God wasn’t answering their prayers. That’s when He told them: ‘This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice…get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts…I’m interested in seeing you…sharing your food with the hungry…putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then, when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, “Here I am”’ (Isaiah 58:6-9). When you care for the needy, the Lord promises to ‘deliver [you] in times of trouble’ (Psalms 41:1) – and you can take that to the bank.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live simply so others can simply live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen