Devotional - 99-08-22 - The Poor

Encore from 97-11-09

God doesn't really leave us guessing about what we should do about the poor. We are to not support idle brothers and sisters -- rather, encourage responsibility:

(2 Th 3:10 NKJV) For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

However, we who have much are too help those who do are not able to work, or are working and yet cannot take care of themselves.

God's Favor Shown Toward the Poor

(1 Sam 2:8 NNAS) He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, And He set the world on them.

(Psa 72:12 NKJV) For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper.

(James 2:5 NKJV) Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

How We Should Treat the Poor

(Exo 22:25 NNAS) If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest.

(Prov 31:19 NKJV) She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. (The virtuous woman)

(Mark 10:21 NKJV) Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

(Gal 2:10 NKJV) They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

(James 2:2-4 NKJV) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

God's Justice Regarding Our Treatment of the Poor

(Prov 19:17 NKJV) He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

(Prov 21:13 NKJV) Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.

(Prov 22:9 NKJV) He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.

(Prov 22:16 NKJV) He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

Jan

jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org