The Poor...

I’m sure this can be taken out of context, so I’ll be careful in my insight. Here in Deuteronomy we read about how God sees and wants us to treat the poor. First of all, there wouldn’t be any poor if everyone obeyed and followed God’s commands. Think about that for a second! If we all followed God, poverty wouldn’t exist. So poverty is a disobedience issue. Or better yet, a selfish issue. Second, we are to have an “open hand” when it comes to the poor. We need to provide them with what they need. I know you’re probably thinking, “there are people out there abusing the system, purposely taking advantage of kind-hearted people”. You are correct. But here’s my take on that. First, you can’t accurately judge who falls in that category and who doesn’t. If you separate the wheat from the tares you might uproot the wheat with the tares (Jesus’ words, not mine). Second, are we not playing God when we make these kinds of judgements? Who are we to determine who gets our help and who doesn’t? God takes care of all who believe. It’s our job to be His hands and feet. With disobedience comes poverty. And yes, some of the poor have brought their poverty on themselves, but remember, everything we possess has been given to us by God. It’s our job to manage it and redistribute it where it needs to go. Our preconceived notions about the poor need a “Divine” overhaul. Be obedient rather than selfish. Don’t be hard-hearted and tight-fisted when it comes to your possessions. In reality, do we really own anything? Or does it own us? What we do with our possessions will either honor God and others, or it will enslave us, leading us down a one-way road with no return. Do yourself a favor, develop a giving heart, you won’t regret it. We will always have the poor among us, but your giving attitude will show God where your heart really is; right next to His.

4 “There should be no poor among you, for the Lord your God will greatly bless you in the land He is giving you as a special possession. 5 You will receive this blessing if you are careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. 6 The Lord your God will bless you as He has promised. You will lend money to many nations but will never need to borrow. You will rule many nations, but they will not rule over you.7 “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. 9 Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. 11 There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need. Deuteronomy 15:4-11