By Andrew Williams
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
Good morning fellow disciples.
Poverty is a complex, multifaceted issue that touches every corner of our world. From lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare, to the systemic injustices that perpetuate generational cycles of deprivation – the realities of global and local poverty can be overwhelming to confront.
And yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to care deeply about the plight of the poor and needy. Time and again, the Scriptures underscore God’s special concern for “the least of these” – the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those struggling to survive.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). The prophet Isaiah describes the Messiah as one who will “bring good news to the poor” and “bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1). And the book of Proverbs makes it clear that how we treat the poor is a reflection of our relationship with the Lord himself.
This divine prioritization of the poor is rooted in God’s character. As the Psalmist proclaims, “The Lord upholds the widow and the fatherless; the Lord loves the righteous” (Psalm 146:9). Our compassionate, just, and merciful God cannot ignore or overlook the cries of his image-bearers who suffer under the weight of destitution and lack.
And as the people of God, we are called to reflect this same heart. We are to “loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6). This includes advocating for policies and systems that create more equitable access to resources, using our time and treasure to meet immediate needs, and standing in solidarity with the poor through acts of service and sacrifice.
It’s a high and holy calling, and one that will often require us to step out of our comfort zones. When we open our eyes to the realities of poverty, and then respond with compassion and courageous action, we not only bless others – we also experience the transformative power of the gospel in our own lives.
May the Spirit of the Lord embolden us to be voices for the voiceless, conduits of God’s provision, and champions of true justice and mercy. For in loving the poor, we love the very heart of God.
Prayer: Father God, as we love the poor, may we love them wholistically. Help us to fill all their needs: physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. May our love for them lead them to Your loving arms where they will experience Your favor and peace. Amen