What steps can you take to prioritize helping the poor in your community? Scripture Focus “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17) The Heart of God Toward the Poor • Deuteronomy 15:11—“You are to open your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.” • Psalm 41:1—“Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.” • Matthew 25:40—“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • James 1:27—“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…” God’s consistent call is unmistakable: He personally identifies with the poor and treats our compassion as an investment in His own hands. Why This Matters • Helping the poor is not optional benevolence; it is a direct act of worship. • Every gift to those in need is treated as a loan to the Lord Himself—guaranteed and rewarded by Him. • Obedience here brings blessing, protection, and a testimony that our faith is genuine (1 John 3:17-18). Phrase-by-Phrase Insight from Proverbs 19:17 • “Whoever is kind” – Every believer is invited; no one is exempt. • “to the poor” – God notices the underserved, and He calls us to notice them too. • “lends to the LORD” – The Lord places Himself in the position of debtor; His repayment is certain. • “He will reward him” – God-given reward may be spiritual, material, or eternal, but it is never absent. • “for what he has done” – The focus is concrete action, not merely emotion or intention. Practical Steps to Prioritize Helping the Poor in Your Community 1. Identify Real Needs Nearby • Map local shelters, food banks, pregnancy centers, and rescue missions. • Listen to leaders who already serve; they know the gaps. 2. Budget Generously and First • Set aside a fixed percentage of income specifically for benevolence before discretionary spending. • Model Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits…” 3. Partner with Your Local Church • Join or start a mercy ministry team that visits widows, single parents, and the unemployed. • Encourage the church budget to include a benevolence fund (Acts 6:1-4). 4. Offer Skills, Not Only Money • Tutor children, repair vehicles, cook meals, help write résumés. • Share professional expertise (legal, medical, financial) pro bono. 5. Build Relationships, Not Transactions • Invite families in need to your home for a meal (Luke 14:12-14). • Follow up consistently; loneliness often accompanies poverty. 6. Advocate Justly • Use your influence to ensure fair wages and honest hiring practices (Jeremiah 22:3). • Support policies that protect the vulnerable without creating dependency. 7. Teach Stewardship Alongside Aid • Offer budgeting or job-training classes in partnership with local ministries. • Encourage accountability so assistance fosters dignity and long-term stability. 8. Involve Your Family • Let children help pack food boxes or deliver clothing. • Read and discuss passages like Luke 10:30-37 at the dinner table, then act on them. 9. Pray Specifically and Expectantly • Keep a list of names and needs; intercede with faith that God moves. • Watch for answered prayer as part of God’s “reward” (Proverbs 19:17b). 10. Live Open-Handedly Every Day • Carry small gift cards or granola bars to share with people on the street. • Maintain an interruptible schedule; divine appointments rarely come at convenient times. Guarding the Heart Against Excuses • Proverbs 28:27—“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” • Fear of scarcity, judgmental attitudes, or indifference all contradict God’s promise of provision. Keep renewing your mind with Scripture and trust the Lord’s sufficiency. Steadfast Motivation Remember Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” Each step of obedience to Proverbs 19:17 becomes a seed God Himself waters, promising a harvest for His glory and the good of those He loves. |
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