Be Kind To The Poor

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble. The LORD protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.

Psalm 41:1-3

YOU’VE PROBABLY SEEN them, standing at intersections and holding signs saying they’ll work for food. Beggars will walk the streets and step right up to you and ask for a dollar or two. In some countries, they’re everywhere: on every corner, in every neighborhood. Some just sit and stare vacantly, clearly hungry, clearly in despair, just hoping for the next handout.

Do we ignore them? Write them off as alcoholics or druggies who take whatever we might give them and throw it away on their addiction? The truth is, God doesn’t call you to be responsible for how the poor use your handouts. He simply asks that you notice them and, when you can, give them something to meet their needs.

There are hundreds of organizations out there that minister to the poor of all nations, from the United States to many we’ve never heard of. Giving to those organizations or even directly to the poor is not wasted money or a waste of time. God’s promise is that he will bless your efforts and use your resources to feed and care for the needy. Stop walking by them. God will bless you for your compassion and love.