A Way of Living: Why Taking Care of the Poor Matters!

by Pastor Gary Ritchie of One Way Ministries

• Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:3

• Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they done. Proverbs 19:17

• Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13

• The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

• A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the Great. Proverbs 18:16

Our recent Wednesday night Bible Study had been focusing on Proverbs. In my research, I came upon these proverbs that shared a similarity. The first four are very specific in offering an admonition to take care of the poor. The verses are not just suggestions for believers, but actually a mandate. Jesus presented two great commandments – Love God with all of our heart, mind, and soul and love our neighbor as ourselves. Not all of our neighbors are poor, but many are.

Taking care of the poor is the path to blessing. No doubt, we all want to be blessed. I am not sure we earn points if our motivation to serve the poor is to only get blessed though. Matthew 25 teaches that when we take care of those in hard spots, we are actually doing as if we were to Jesus. Notice I said to Jesus, not for Jesus. I think that is why I love Food Outreach so much. My service is personal, as I picture each contact as if I am communing with my Savior. Now I know that is a really big thought, but mull that over for a little bit!

The last proverb I listed above, may initially look like it does not fit in this group, but I see that it pairs very nicely. Other translations do not read as powerful as the NIV translation. When I read this verse, I immediately think of the Great as being Almighty God. Don’t you desire to be in the King’s presence? I do! Not just on Sunday morning, but every minute of every day. Our giving, our serving, loving our neighbor, brings us one step closer to be in the presence of the GREAT.

Next time you pass someone holding up a sign asking for help, don’t be too quick to judge. (I confess I do this most of the time.) Ask yourself this question: Does it look like this person is poor? If the answer if yes, be challenged with these proverbs. As you respond to Holy Spirit’s nudge, know that you are being brought into the presence of the GREAT and you are serving Jesus - all at the same time.

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