Topical Encyclopedia The treatment of the poor is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and neglecting them is portrayed as inconsistent with genuine love for God. Scripture emphasizes that true devotion to God is demonstrated through acts of kindness and justice towards those in need.Biblical Mandate to Care for the Poor The Bible consistently calls believers to care for the poor, reflecting God's own compassion and justice. 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 presence of poverty and the ongoing responsibility of God's people to address it. Neglect as a Sign of Spiritual Deficiency Neglecting the poor is depicted as a failure to live out the love of God. In 1 John 3:17, the apostle John writes, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God abide in him?" This rhetorical question challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith, suggesting that indifference to the needs of others is incompatible with the indwelling love of God. The Example of Jesus Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, exemplified compassion for the poor and marginalized. In Matthew 25:40, He teaches, "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’" This passage highlights the identification of Christ with the needy and implies that neglecting them is tantamount to neglecting Christ Himself. Warnings Against Neglect The prophets frequently warned Israel about the consequences of neglecting the poor. In Isaiah 58:6-7, God declares, "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" This passage emphasizes that true worship involves active engagement in social justice and care for the needy. The Role of the Church The early church took seriously the call to care for the poor, as seen in Acts 4:34-35: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal sharing reflects the early Christians' commitment to living out the love of God through tangible support for one another. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently portrays neglect of the poor as inconsistent with a genuine love for God. Believers are called to reflect God's character through acts of mercy and justice, ensuring that their faith is not merely theoretical but actively demonstrated in their treatment of the least among them. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:17But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7. The Great Duty of Family Religion Seeketh not Her Own. 1 Corinthians 13:5. "If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness ... The Almost Christian Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. The Universal Chorus Appendix V in the Directory. Evidences of Regeneration. Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ... Resources How does oppressing the poor show contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)? | GotQuestions.orgIs it better, spiritually, to be poor than to be rich? | GotQuestions.org What is liberation theology? | GotQuestions.org Poor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Poor: Atonement Money of, Uniform With That of the Rich People Poor: Inexpensive offerings of People Who Have Very Little Money Poor: Kindness to Congregations Poor: Kindness to Congregations of Macedonia and Achaia Poor: Kindness to Prophet's Widow Poor: Kindness to The Congregation at Antioch (In Syria) Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan Poor: Kindness to The Temanites Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Poor are Such by God's Appointment The Poor by Mocking, God is Reproached The Poor by Oppressing, God is Reproached The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance The Poor: A Care For is Characteristic of Saints The Poor: A Care For: should be Urged The Poor: Care For-Illustrated The Poor: Christ Lived As One of The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Bad Company The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Drunkenness and Gluttony The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Sloth The Poor: Give to not Grudgingly The Poor: Give to Specially If Saints The Poor: Give To without Ostentation The Poor: God is the Refuge of The Poor: God: Despises No the Prayer of The Poor: God: Maintains the Right of The Poor: God: Regards Equally With the Rich The Poor: Harden not the Heart Against The Poor: May Be: Rich in Faith The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Neglect of Christ The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Proof of Unbelief The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: Inconsistent With Love to God The Poor: Offerings of, Acceptable to God The Poor: Oppression of-Illustrated The Poor: Punishment For: Acting Unjustly Towards The Poor: Punishment For: Oppressing The Poor: Punishment For: Refusing to Assist The Poor: Punishment For: Spoiling The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch The Poor: Regard For: Churches of Macedonia and Achaia The Poor: Regard For: Cornelius The Poor: Regard For: Nebuzaradan The Poor: Regard For: Peter and John The Poor: Regard For: Zacchaeus The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God The Poor: should Provided for Under the Law The Poor: should Rejoice in God The Poor: should when Converted, Rejoice in Their Exaltation The Poor: Shut not the Hand Against The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For The Poor: The Wicked: Despise the Counsel of The Poor: The Wicked: Grind the Faces of The Poor: The Wicked: Persecute The Poor: The Wicked: Regard not the Cause of The Poor: The Wicked: Tread Down The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Happy The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have Promises The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have the Favour of God The Poor: Wrong not in Judgment Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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