Why is it important to remember the "poor people" in our communities? Setting the Scene “They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10) Right after settling the great question of the gospel, the Jerusalem apostles give Paul one simple charge: keep the poor on the radar. That closing request shows just how central this concern is to the life of a believing community. What “Remember” Really Means To Scripture, remembering is never passive. It is: • Calling the need to mind—regularly, not occasionally. • Letting compassion move us to tangible action. • Building ongoing patterns of generosity rather than one-time gestures. Old Testament Foundations • Deuteronomy 15:11: “There will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open your hand to your brother who is afflicted and poor in your land.” • Proverbs 19:17: “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” From the gleaning laws to the year of jubilee, God wove care for the needy into Israel’s daily life, training hearts to mirror His own generosity. Christ’s Heart for the Poor • Luke 4:18: “He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.” • Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Jesus identifies so closely with the poor that serving them becomes direct ministry to Him. Ignoring them, therefore, is ignoring Him. Why Remembering the Poor Matters Today • It reflects the character of a generous Father (James 1:17). • It keeps the gospel holistic—word and deed harmonize (1 John 3:17). • It guards our hearts from materialism; giving loosens greed’s grip (Luke 12:15). • It offers a credible witness; the world sees faith made visible (Matthew 5:16). • It unites the body; economic walls crumble when needs are shared (Acts 2:44-45). Blessings Promised to Givers • Proverbs 28:27: “Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need.” • Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: sow generously and reap generously, “able to abound in every good work.” God ties open-handedness to His own abundant supply, encouraging us to trust Him and keep pouring out. Practical Ways to Keep the Charge • Budget a set percentage for benevolence before spending on extras. • Partner with trusted local ministries that meet material and spiritual needs. • Show personal hospitality—meals, rides, listening ears matter. • Advocate for dignified work: résumé help, skill training, networking. • Mobilize the church’s gifting: medical professionals, tradespeople, educators, all serving together. • Stay relational; learn names and stories so aid flows from love, not pity. Closing Encouragement God doesn’t ask us to fix poverty single-handedly, only to “remember the poor” with the eagerness Paul showed. As we do, our communities see a living illustration of the gospel we proclaim—grace freely received, grace freely given. |
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