Topical Bible: The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance

◄ The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor, presenting it as a tangible expression of genuine repentance and faith. Throughout Scripture, the treatment of the poor is a litmus test for the authenticity of one's relationship with God, reflecting a heart transformed by His grace.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the care of the poor, intertwining it with the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the Israelites are commanded, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This directive underscores the perpetual responsibility to support those in need, reflecting God's own compassion and justice.

The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for neglecting the poor, equating such neglect with a breach of covenant faithfulness. Isaiah 58:6-7 calls for a fast that involves "loosening the chains of injustice" and "sharing your bread with the hungry." The prophet Amos also condemns those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth" (Amos 2:7), highlighting social justice as integral to true worship.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ Himself exemplifying and teaching the importance of caring for the poor. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, promising them the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). His ministry is marked by compassion for the marginalized, as seen in His interactions with lepers, tax collectors, and sinners.

A pivotal moment occurs in Luke 19:8-9, where Zacchaeus, upon encountering Jesus, declares, "Look, Lord! Half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." Jesus responds, "Today salvation has come to this house," indicating that Zacchaeus's repentance is evidenced by his commitment to rectify his wrongs and care for the poor.

The early church continued this practice, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared their possessions to ensure no one was in need. The apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes the importance of generosity, urging the Corinthians to give willingly to support the impoverished saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-15).

Theological Implications

Caring for the poor is not merely a social obligation but a profound theological statement. It reflects the character of God, who is described as a defender of the poor and needy (Psalm 72:12-14). The act of caring for the poor is a demonstration of the transformative power of the Gospel, where believers, having received mercy, extend mercy to others.

James 2:14-17 challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through works, specifically by meeting the needs of the poor. "If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that?" This rhetorical question underscores the inseparability of faith and action.

Practical Application

In practical terms, caring for the poor involves both individual and communal efforts. It calls for personal generosity, as well as collective action through the church and society. Believers are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, advocacy, and systemic change to address the root causes of poverty.

The biblical mandate to care for the poor challenges Christians to examine their own lives and communities, ensuring that their repentance and faith are evidenced by tangible acts of love and justice. In doing so, they reflect the heart of God and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a broken world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 3:11
He answers and said to them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Accusations, and the Treatment of Accusers.
... separated from you for their sins; and take care of them ... any one returns, and shows
forth the fruit of repentance ... 2776] And: "Thou shalt not pity a poor man in ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v on accusations and the.htm

Psalm LXXIII.
... since to himself there is not granted the fruit of repentance ... A poor man he went
to sleep, a rich man in sleep ... rich man: he woke up, he found the care which he ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiii.htm

Where to Find Fruit
... If the poor be fed, it must be by these hands; if ... essential to fruitfulness"but it
owes very much also to external care. ... What fruit had ye then in those days ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/where to find fruit.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... the Holy Spirit resting [on it]: Is the poor satisfied at ... The earth and the fruit
of the tree cry that there ... is He Who guides thee; and if His care leaves thee ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

Repentance and Restitution.
... If there is true repentance it will bring forth fruit. ... that seemed to have been watched
with very tender care. ... These are my flowers," said the poor convict. ...
/.../the way to god and how to find it/chapter vi repentance and restitution.htm

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... The second fruit of repentance mentioned in 2:Cor.7:11 is ... of my goods I give to the
poor; and if ... countenance of an infant, its freedom from care, anxieties and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... It is not mingled with care of keeping, or fear of losing ... It is a favour that we
poor worms and no men ... sin brings him to shame (Proverbs 13:5). What fruit had ye ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... much attention drawn to the minuteness of his care for the ... need that it be perfected
and made to bring forth fruit. ... Poor soul, go and plead your need before God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the poor mans friend.htm

Repentance unto Life
... There is another mistake many poor people make when they are ... We do not care when
it comes, but at some time or ... We know a tree by its fruit, and you who are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/repentance unto life.htm

The Three Parables of Warning: to the Individual, to the Nation ...
... that this was not only due to the labour and care of the ... not subject to the ordinance
which enjoined that fruit should be left in the corners for the poor. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi the three parables.htm