If you’re a Christian, you can’t help but read the Bible and be overwhelmed by God’s concern for the poor, weak and marginalized in society.
He tells us to be concerned for the widow and the orphan. Jesus himself said in Matthew 25 that, “As you did to one of the least of these, you did to me” meaning that if we gave food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty and clothes to the naked, it’s as if we did it to Jesus!
There are over 2,100 verses that describe God’s love and heart for the poor, weak and infirmed.
As Christians, I don’t think any one of us would deny that we should help the poor – and yet, we oftentimes don’t have a heart for the poor, we don’t care like we should that there are many without proper food, shelter or healthcare.
Why is it that God has such a heart for the disenfranchised and we don’t?
Now don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of us who are doing some great things to help, but what’s the best way to help the poor?
I write this as someone asking these very questions to myself and trying to break through some stereotypes that I have regarding the poor.
For example, should you give money to a homeless person? Should you give money to someone in need only if they deserve the money? Should you provide food, clothing and shelter with strings attached? Should we just give money to organizations and let them handle everything?
My goal with this post is to get us thinking beyond ourselves to try to stir in our hearts (and my heart) a deep love and passion for loving our neighbors as ourselves.
So let’s take a look at a few categories that we may fall in to when we approach helping the poor.
Help Those Who Deserve to Be Helped
Oftentimes, we take an approach to helping the poor that says, “you got yourself into this mess, you need to get yourself out – and then I’ll help you”
In other words, you don’t deserve to be helped because you’ve made some bad choices, or you have dependency problems, therefore I won’t help you until you first help yourself.
Or, this camp will also say, “I’ll only help when things get really, really bad because I want you to suffer the consequences of your poor decisions”
So, essentially, they view the poor as ones who have brought their poverty upon themselves – and only until they prove themselves worthy, or if they are destitute enough, then they can some help.
Here’s the problem with this category – if we are to love our neighbors as ourselves we would surely help ourselves long before we are destitute, and we’d surely help ourselves work through our bad choices long before it gets too bad.
We withhold mercy because we feel the poor needs to prove themselves! What if God gave His mercy that way?
We’d all be in big trouble.
Help Whether They Deserve It or Not
This camp can be just the opposite. They give to the poor no matter what – and they keep giving, sometimes to the same people, and the poor makes no progress.
This camp is only concerned about providing mercy, which is great – but at some point if the poor is not willing to help themselves and are only looking for handouts, then we become an enabler to their problems.
Sometimes churches will get themselves into this situation where they give money to an impoverished person with no strings attached and the same person comes back a week or two later. The church feels bad because this person is in really bad shape and they give more money.
The next thing you know you’ve got more and more people coming to the church to receive aid because word got out that this church gives out money.
Here’s the problem with this category. Providing aid to the poor without any demands of progress will actually result in more negative affects and create bigger dependency problems than if no money is given.
Help by Providing Relief and Development
So, what is the best way to help the poor? The first thing to realize is this – it’s only by God’s grace we are not in that situation. We need to be humble. You didn’t choose your family or the way your parents raised you, or if your parents got divored, or the town where you were brought up. Many of the things that affected who you are as a person was not your choice. Some were, but many were not.
Secondly, I think we need to be discerning. We need to discern what the needs of the poor really are. Initially it’s money, but what is causing the money problems. What’s the root?
If they are having difficulty budgeting and blowing their money on frivolous things, I think we owe it to them to confront that and try to teach them some basic budgeting and money skills.
If they have no money because they can’t hold a job, but the reason they can’t hold a job is because they can’t afford transportation, maybe we need to look into buying a used car for them to help get them on their feet.
We need to be ready to provide relief – money as mercy up front – and development – helping them with life, job, social and money skills.
This is the hardest route to take. It means we have to talk to them and get to know them. It means we have to find out what’s going on and be willing to get a little messy ourselves!
In my opinion, being willing to provide relief and development provides the best chance of survival and progression for the poor, not only physically, but spiritually also.
When you help a poor person in this way and model Christ’s love, they will be more willing to listen to you.
What do you think the best way to help the poor is?
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
Some good thoughts and a good summary of the different camps.
I would ask, why are we COMMANDED to help the poor? What is the root of everything that we are commanded in the New Testament? I would say that it is to further his kingdom by displaying Christ’s love to the world. We aren’t just giving to be nice, we are giving to be an example of Christ’s love to the world.
Making disciples should be the end game. I don’t know about you, but God kept loving me, and loving me, and loving me, and loving me when I didn’t deserve it. I still don’t.
Like you said, what if God loved us the way we love others? When I am confronted with an opportunity to give, and I start to ask myself questions about how that person is going to use the money, I try to remind myself “who the heck are you to judge this person’s motive, and who the heck are you to put requirements on someone to recieve God’s love?”
One last thought – It’s God’s money, not mine.
Hello, I totally agree with your post. I have given plenty in the past to help people. And now here I am married foir the second time with two little boys and have chronic pancreantitus. This problem has put me in the hospitol 4 times in seven months without ant insurance to cover the bill. I have applied for state medicaid and they refuse me because the 500.00 we recieve a month for child support is a hundred dollars over the income requirements to meet eligibility. and taht is thje only income due to the fact i have lost my job and have had to apply for disability which my lawyer state can take months to get. my wife is currently going to school for her ged and there is no money to even put gas in the van to get to town for any reason. these are some very embarrasing times for us and i have been everywhere inour local community and when i ask for help from people that i know go to church and present thier selfs as christians they look at me like im crazy or as if i tried to rob them. It really is discouraging and makes me really test my faith. I ask for help with the light bill and get told that they only help disabled people, well i have disability pending, i will not need the help once i start recieving disability. I need help now. I need help with gas, diapers, necessities for the house and proper hygiene, electric and water bill before it gets cut. the boys need shoes, their currnet pair have been glued back together three times. I can go on and on but anyone out there thats been in this situtation knows what i mean, so I am asking for any type of help that anyone has to offer, you can call me at 956-742-8856, Thank you and please pray for my family.
Cecil. I noticed you posted this a number of months ago, but I wanted to see if you’ve received any help. Email me with an updated status. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
My heart really goes out to the poor and those in need. I pray that we as Christians begin doing more to help instead of walking/driving by because “it’s not our problem” when it actually is. What you do to the least, you’ve done to God.
Gary, good point about making disciples and demonstrating Christ’s love. God’s glory is really the end game. He gets glory from the making of disciples and the demonstration of His love to others – especially those who can’t ehlp themselves.
It’s because He’s been so generous to us that we can even think about being generous to others and live that out!
I’ve been extremely poor, and I was homeless with my 4 kids for almost a year, 7 years ago. The reasons why are not important. At that time, I thought all homeless people were drug addicts or alcoholics, and imagine my surprise when I found it was mostly families in the shelter we stayed in for awhile. During that time, I have never felt more ashamed or more judged by others, including ministers who said things like, “I thank God I’m not in your shoes!”
God brought my family close, and the kids and I still have a wonderful relationship. I also got out of that situation and was able to buy a house.
What I learned, though, is that it is not up to me to judge what someone is going to do with the money I give them. I don’t care if someone scams me for gas money, I will give it to them if I have it. I don’t care if they want to take their child to MacDonald’s, if I have it, I will give it, because going out to eat is a wonderful treat when you don’t have anything. Like Gary said in the first reply, it’s not my money. It’s God’s. My job is to give. I’ll let Him sort out the motives and hearts of those I give money or food to.
The Life You Can Save, by Peter Singer.
It’s everything one needs to figure out how to best save the lives of individuals living in extreme poverty.
Life-changing read (for me at least)!
http://tiny.cc/fJIyL
One way to help the poor is to not become one of them. Get out of debt, save and give. Get out of the bondage of debt so we are able to help others. Begin giving and tithing now, even while in debt.
Cindy, thanks so much for sharing your story – I think many times we are way to quick to judge (myself included) and way to slow to sit down and listen to people’s stories.
I’m so glad God was able to bring you out of that situation and that the relationships with your kids are close!
A while ago I was in a Bible class and the topic was welfare. The punch of the lesson was when it became clear that people generally do not like the government program of welfare; however, it is a program that should have been instituted by the church. The church does do a good job of helping people in times of need, but apparently not enough if the government has to step in and require us to help more.
When giving to homeless I will first offer to buy what they need if it is possible, like a meal. If I can’t, I give some money. I have not always done this. But I came to the realization that I simply do not know their suffering and the events that preceded their current situation. I have talked with many homeless and some of them are only one bad day away from me.
We need good steady jobs that pay a living wage. Most everyone I know who is poor is that way because they can’t find steady work that pays a living wage. Not because they blow their money (they don’t) or because they’re on drugs (they’re not), but because they don’t have ‘ins’ in the job world and someone else always gets hired over them, because someone else knows the boss personally or someone else is more experienced. So we just keep applying, and trying to get hired somewhere full-time, to no avail.
Giving a fish just doesn’t help long-term. We need to be able to access the pond to fish for ourselves.
Good topic. I’ve pointed out to my readers that, like it or not, people will ask or wonder if they “deserve” whatever financial assistance they get. http://www.blogsmonroe.com/budget/2010/01/when-is-it-your-responsibility-to-be-frugal/
Giving to the poor is not a question in my mind, it must be done. The larger question is what should be the Christian’s responsibility to see the situation that made them poor come to an end. I am thankful that many local shelters work to move people out of their situation and back into productive lives. I am disappointed that we keep sending relief dollars back into the same areas of the world over and over, and leave development projects that could break the cycle unfunded. While we will never see every poor person put into a self-sustaining situation, we need to balance our focus.
This is not a new problem. See if you can get a copy of “How the Other Half Lives”. Handouts don’t work unless there’s some measure of “coming along side” to help. Accountability, sure. Understanding, absolutely. The scripture has parameters in place, such as the definition of widows, the institution of the deaconate, responsibilities of men for their own households, not charging usury, and even the concept of gleaning.
One of the saddest things we’ve experienced is criticism when we’ve had financial hits. We are very frugal. My husband is a pastor and his position does not give him the freedom to ask for help, or get a second job. In a previous call, a pastor’s wife from another church found out our need. Their church gave us some money and we were told by our leadership to give it back because it embarrassed them. So we did. I had hoped our church would help. They didn’t give us anything.
I think the good coming out of difficult experiences is we’re much more sensitive to other people’s struggles. (Like Cindy said.) Since we’re still in a tight place (though not nearly as rough as before), we are very careful about how we give to those in need from our personal resources. He calls us all to faithfulness and He commends both generosity and discernment. So there’s a balance.
I think the problem I have is that I’m never sure the money is going to be put to good use. I love helping animal shelters with donations and giving food to hungry dogs, cats, etc., but with humans, who is to say we aren’t wasting money? I would hate to see my hard-earned money be spent on something wasteful. If I could be sure these people would put my money to good use, I would have absolutely no problem helping. Until then, I’ll keep helping the animals with donations.
I’m sure the animals appreciate your kindness. I took in a stray cat myself and she is a awesome cat. I am someone who sees exactly what is going on at the bottom because I live it. Some of the organizations that help people do indeed help. Some are a crock of crap. My opinion. I know if I ever became amazingly wealthy (no chance in site tho) I know what organizations in my own area I would help. Some of them are very nasty to the poor, believe it or not. Some are very nice and have helped. A special church helped me before , I know I would help them and the homeless center. Wicc in my own area are very good to the women who need help with milk & small stuff like that. There are a number of organizations I hate in my area because they are mean and treat you like you are dirt. My advice is do the leg work. Ask the homeless in your area who are the best organizations to donate to. Ask the working moms who don’t nearly make enough money to make ends meet (that would be my case). And just so people realize, it is not the lazy who don’t work I am talking about. There are many people who try to “help” themselves. Minimum wage does not constitute living and barely pays rent. They are the onlykinds of jobs many of us can get. There are many absent fathers with absent child support monies. And don’t think domestics is taking care of that, because in many cases, they are not. Ask the vet standing in line for the free lunch at the local church. These are the people who will tell you the truth on this matter. Just saying………….
Jason, thanks for this post. My work deals directly with people who are economically impoverished. Every day, I interact with people in an urban setting who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. The reasons of economic poverty are diverse and can be very complex. It is easy to assume that the poor are poor because of slothfulness, lack of self-control, addictions, etc. These things are true, but certainly not always. For others, it is easy to assume that poverty largely results from social injustice i.e. government structures that suppress certain people, corporate greed, etc. These things can be true, but certainly not always. The Bible addresses both paths to economic poverty – Proverbs highlights the personal issues that lead to lack of sustenance and many of the prophets warned against the social injustice of the Israelite leadership. Discernment is key here as you stated.
With all of my clients, I find one thing that is more unique than their economic situation – their relational quotient. What do I mean? Poverty is more foundationally relational than it is financial. None of my clients have healthy relationships with God, self, family, or friends. We fail to understand poverty, when we only, or even primarily understand it financially. It is in right relationship with God, self, and others, that we gain wisdom and wholeness in all areas of life, one being financial. Seeing poverty in this light enables us to relate more realistically with the financially distressed. It breaks down the barriers of ‘us’ versus ‘them,’ and demands more compassion as every person can relate to relational poverty in some capacity. The book ‘When Helping Hurts’ is very helpful in understanding poverty this way.
Wow, do you really believe that the poor have a worse relationship with God? Personally, He is the only one I can count on! I find it amazing that you would say such a thing.
I must agree Linda. As cool as it must be to have money. And to dream the dreams of Disneyworld, fun trips and owning a home, I have always said to God, I would rather be poor if it meant loosing my salvation. I like to think I would still talk to God if I lead a life of fun things in it, but I guess we never really know and only God knows.
Even Mary, the woman God chose to have his son, gave birth in a stable, not the classiest or best selected area for childbirth in my opinion. However, Mary must have been a cherished person to God to pick her as the mother.
Jason,
Thanks so much for starting this discussion. Here’s three things that really helped me. They are different types of suggestions, but I think they make a big difference.
1. Do a police ride along at night. These are harder to these days, but if you find the right police station they will let you see what happens in the city at night.
2. Do visitation in Section 8 housing complexes. Sitting with the poor and hearing their stories is amazing.
3. Ask someone who works in an inner city ministry about their lesson and experiences. Bonus – spend the day working with them first.
Great comments here everyone – I love this type of discussion to get us thinking a bit.
Jon, I really liked what you said about the relational quotient. That is something that really needs to be highlighted more in discussions like this.
I think it was Tim Keller, author and Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in NY that said poverty is essentially being “neighborless”. It’s the idea that not having good, quality relationships leads to poverty.
Relationships are a huge factor in spiritual maturity as well as overall “life success” for lack of a better term. Quality relationships provide accountability, direction and joy to name a few. It is quite sad when folks are missing out on that!
Olivia, I’m sorry your church responded the way it did. Receiving help should not be embarrassing – we should realize that in the early church people sold their possessions to help everyone in need – it wasn’t an embarrassment, but rather an opportunity to demonstrate the generosity and kindness of Christ!
I’m in need of a job. I’ve been fired for “disability”. I don’t want handout. I’ve applied for (literally) thousands of jobs only to be screamed at “WE DON’T HIRE THE DISABLED”.
More things that you need to know if you really want to help:
I’m UNABLE to do telemarketing.
I’m UNABLE to pass a Schedule A.
I’ve been somewhat disfigured.
I’m ABLE to do everything that everyone else does, most times I do better than others. I’ve received many accolades for my work. I have a great deal of education and experience. As my boss fired me, he said that he would give me glowing recommendations.
I’m hungry and cold.
Any suggestions to find VIABLE employment? I would greatly appreciate any do-able suggestions.
My faith is being tested – not severly but to a degree and maybe one of you can help me see the light. I am a good Christian as is my husband and for the past 12 years have run a very modestly income Home for Individual Residential Care in the poorest COUNTY in the US. I am 52, a retired nurse after a knee replacement during one of the few times I have had health insurance since starting my care home. GOD has always helped me make the right decisions in my life and I have always given when I could to promote the well being of others. One of my residents was a friend of mine as was her deceased husband. She lived with me for 6 years after his death as a ward under a private guardianship COMPANY. The COMPANY was bought by a new lady who this past October, for no reason other than her preference for a care home in Reno, moved my friend knowing full well that her family nor I could financially fight this action. I advocated for my friends rights as she did not want to move. I live in a rural area and yes, did depend on my friends income to survive – I am now in jeopardy of losing my home in the current economy. She did wrong but I cannot afford a lawyer to fight her in court. I have never hated anyone in my life but how this woman can come into our lives and do this is beyond me and I pray daily for some clarity on GODS purpose and plan. Seniors in my area are literally staying in homes that are falling down around them because they fear selling will not support their personal care needs. I want to provide the services in my home but unless I have a short sale buyer willing to let me buy this back, there will be no more home for me, my husband or all the animals I have allowed my past residents bring with them and promised to care for after their demise. I have always loved caring for seniors and disabled and my home has been a place of comfort for many terminal residents and their families over the years. My rates have not been outrageous for my care – families have donated trees to my home in rememberence of passed loved ones. I have never had money nor has my family – I have no children except the four legged ones, my husband is semi-disabled without disability. I have always been frugal in the running of this business – I shopped for my friend and all residents, with coupons only to recently find out the COMPANY having her guardianship is running rampant with her finances in paying themselves! I cry daily but am trying, against all odds, to go on and see the big picture. If money were not an all important issue, I’d know my path clearly – my friend would come home, her niece and brother would be relieved of their concerns for her, I could provide for another low income resident (maybe still no health insurance but…) and we poor people could plug along happy again with our meek, rural existance. I am on welfare at this time and in a place I never imagined being but the climb out without financial assistance is bleak. I recieve no income because self employed in Nevada with this small a business don’t get it. My home, on paper, is a 1975 mobile although remodeled above HUD standards and converted to real property, the location is rural and in the poorest county so who cares if it is mine and used for the care of others in need. I have learned that it is OK to ask for help and pray (maybe wrongfully) that GOD sends the help I need. I have worked hard all my life and every penny of money went into this property and business with great and honorable intentions. I was naive as to what others could and would do to take that away through deceptive COMPANY actions with no regard for the humans involved. Does GOD want me to fight this injustice being done to defenseless seniors, am I supposed to look the other way while this is done, am I supposed to lose everthing like I am about to? It’s not all about money but the lack of human kindness to others in some cases that puts some of us in conflict with right, wrong, advocating and poverty. If you see a couple my age on the side of the road with a broken down 1995 handicap van and an old horse trailer loaded with pets, stop and give us a hand because something not quite right put us in a predicament through no fault of our own that we could not financially fight, correct or overcome. I will be distraught about having to leave my friend in the hands of that guardianship COMPANY, her family with no help (out of state and portrayed as “not caring” by the company), losing my home and business (which is needed here) and heading to Virginia in hopes of living with family until I am back on my feet again. I did everything right in my eyes to provide for us and others in need with my home and property and business but the actions taken by one owner (she only saw my friend 5 times in six years) of one COMPANY – was sent my way to do evil and is winning! WHY and WHAT DI I DO NEXT? Jacqui
How about organizing a seminar wherein we can discuss some IGP or income generating project that they use for them to have extra income. Maybe at first, we can help them in building their small IGP or business and later on, we will let them to do the work on it. They will be the one to invest their time and their effort because they will be the one also that will get the benefits, we will just help them. Of course, we will do it for the sake of our Lord, We will help because He commanded us in His words that we need to help one another as a sign of love.
Praise God!
We need help to find someone to help with charity money I have a 1 year old granddaughter who needs surgery on her arm and hand that does not work right from birth constriction band syndrome and a grand son that was born this december and we have no money to pay for her surgery and doctors appointments .I have 3 ill sons and another grandchild on the way ,we run out of food a lot and we have trouble paying our bills our rent ,electric ect…and my sons are kind hearted and they want to help people so, I end up with people that has no home living with me I can not say no that easy because I raised them to help others and to care for the world around them. and we are going to loose our home if we can not pay the rent soon,I have no car as well. God Bless you and thank you Rhonda Stevens please contact me at 1741 se 172nd.terrace silver springs florida 34488 if you or anyone who can help me. and i live in the shed in the backyard.
I love to help people and make people happy ,I work as a technical support
engineer,and when a person call’s in with a problem and is feeling upset,I like to let them know that they are in good hands ,I also help my fellow techs on the floor,which I don’t have to but just like to,God is good and I love him with all my Heart !!!!!
My name is Lynette Collins.I live in Baton Rouge,Louisiana.I’m a single christen mother of three children.The father of my children are decease.He died from someone robbing and killing him last year.I’m going to school for business management so that I can open an restaurant next year.Unfortunately with an eviction notice,pass due bills,rent,utilities,water,phone and car note.I will always be held back from my Dream,as a single independent mother with goals.I can’t afford school supplies,uniform, or even provide my children with any clothes other than torn hand me down.My bank account is over dawn.My bills are behind.I’m using my pay checks to catch up with the rest of the pass due balances of my bills.It’s extremely difficult for me to manage off one income.My pay checks only allows me to be broke as soon as I get it.I’m at rick of getting put out of school and losing my car.Because of the note being behind.My vehicle is broken.I can’t afford a new car or pay a mechanic to fix the one I have.I’m at risk of losing everything!!!!I exhausted all of my resources through different churches and community.Theirs hardly any funds available due to the economy.It’s horrifying trying to struggle and figuring out how ends meat will be brought to the table each day as a single parent.Where living by the skins of our teeth.I’ve gotten so depressed from the reality of whats going on and living in pain every single day,all day,has taken a major toll on me and my body.I’m down to the wire.I’ve been working for this restaurant business for two years.I’ve applied for a second job on the Internet,library and in person.But,haven’t had any luck.One job did call back. But,they wanted me to have transportation.I’m a adopted child that was never fortunate in life to anything.My adopted parent was always classified as a low income family.My adopted parent are decease too.One pass away from cancer and the other passed away from diabetes.They were the only family that I’ve had and the only source of help that I’ve had and now it’s only me and my three children.It’s very hard to get anything or any kind of help,due to the recession.I’m a very hard worker.I’ve help the community,different churches and organization.I devoted my life to Christ.So,please pray for me and wish me and my children Luck on anything the Lord is gonna provide for us.
Great article! It’s sad to see how many people truly need help in our world. In Milwaukee there are plenty of homeless individuals who have had to try to overcome remarkable circumstances and have failed. I have met my fair share of homeless men and women that are some of the nicest people. It’s very unfortunate that some people don’t realize it’s important to help others.
Interesting that I should find this article today. This morning I approached my church for “prayer support” because I am facing the worst crisis of my life to date. I am a lady in my 50s who came out of a violent marriage. My ex husband never paid a cent toward our 2 children’s upbringing after I fled to save my life so my children could have a mother. 16 yrs of raising them all alone, taking them to church, tithing etc…
I have listened to the Word of Faith teaching for many years and tried to hard to apply all those conditions and principles; yet it never worked for me. It seems that those ministries get richer and richer but you can be ‘assured’ that they are “blessed to be a blessing; to be in a position to help those in need”.
Well this morning, one of those in desperate need, came to ask only for “prayer support” to one of those “blessed” preachers who often boasts of how “blessed to be a blessing” he is. The one in need got an icy cold reception, judged purely based on presumption and then a ‘prayer’ than sounded more like a not very nice sermon addressed to the needy one (me) rather than a prayer of love and compassion to the One Who hears! There was no love whatsoever, just an icy cold, judgemental, stand-offish attitude and definitely offer of help in any way shape or form. I was sent to Welfare with a “I’m sure they have some way they can help you”. ‘We expect the government to care more than the church does’ type of view!
I walked out of there feeling completely humiliated and judged for having a need. Yet, I have never done drugs of any kinds; in fact I am into very healthy lifestyle, diet etc. As a born again Christian, I raised 2 kids all alone for 16 yrs, we ALWAYS went to church, tithed etc… I love listening to various preachers at home, love Jesus, the Bible and have tried my best all those years to live by faith. I have received many miracles too!
Jesus DID say that in this world we would face many trials and tribulations; it’s just the world we live in. Yet, the church looks at you with this superior attitude, and so wuick to think and even say; you must have sinned, you must have done something wrong, you must have made a bad decision to be in this situation. It’s just a cop out of what I see is one of the strongest command Jesus gave: “If you give as much as a cup of water… you do unto Me..” Until recently, I worked almost 50 hours each week to support myself.
Ironically, those church leaders of 250 or so, have been boasting for years “by faith” that they will have a “big church of 3000″; that’s been “the vision” for many years. Perhaps though, God looks at that one middle aged lady who is all alone and who was not cared for nor helped in her time of need, and He is just not keen to bring another 2999 who will be treated the same? God is not impressed with the size of the building, or the size of the tithe and offerings. God has always and always will care about His sheep being cared for.
Still, maybe if I become homeless next month, I might run into one of their street evangelist some day, and they’ll feel compelled to tell me all about how much Jesus loves me and invite me [back] to their church!!
I have to wonder WHY it is so automatically assumed that a person is poor of their o own doing; in your article you wrote: “If they are having difficulty budgeting and blowing their money on frivolous things, I think we owe it to them to confront that and try to teach them some basic budgeting and money skills.”
May I be so blunt as to explain: ONE income is ALWAYS weaker and more vulnerable than TWO! All that person on one income needs is for the car or washing machine to break down to send the budget out of whack! So often it is single mothers who are left coping with raising kids all alone on one income. Yet, we don’t say “Oh she must be finding it so hard on one income!” Instead we ASSUME that she doesn’t know how to budget, or that she is frivolous wit her money..” instead of admiring her for doing the most wonderful and hardest job in the whole world! I raised 2 kids entirely on my own and NEVER incurred any debt! No credit card, no borrowing at all. A married woman could spend whatever, pay with the credit card and there will be no judgement or assumption with regards to her values and character!
I have hit some hard times, lost my job like millions of others globally. Yet because I don’t have money in the bank, somehow, I need budgetting advice or it is assumed that I must be spending frivolously. Currently my income is $260 per week and my rent ALONE is $320. Please tell me how to budget to make it work.
Jesus loves us all and wants the best for His children. We have to focus on Him and serving His will. It doesn’t matter if we have great faith or just a little faith, because faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. Jesus tells us that we will do greater miracles than He did with the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Jesus also says that whatever we ask for in Jesus name will be given. I hear a lot of people feeling sorry for themselves here, pretty much asking for hand outs. Well, to everyone who is asking for handouts, you are asking the wrong people. Ask God to meet your need, tithe from your need not from your abundance. And have faith that God will answer your prayer. You have to believe with 100% of your heart though, He says ask and do not doubt. So stop feeling bad for yourself and put your hands to heaven and thank God for what you do have. No matter how bad things are, it could always get worse, let’s be thankful for the blessings we do have. Even if the only blessing is that it’s not worse.
I believe the best way to help the poor is to live among them. Afterall, Jesus lived among us. 2 Corinthians 8:9
1. Jesus loves us all. That knowledge is the foundation of our life. He cares for us. (Trust HIM to send help into your life.)
2. Jesus left the responsibility for loving people to His church. That should be the foundation of our love. To please Him, we MUST love the people who make up His world.
3. Jesus is coming back to take His children to their eternal reward. What you have done to help the poor and misfortunate will matter to you, on that day!
SELAH!
My husband is a pastor to a poor area in our community. It is on the edge of our town, we have no bus service in town and no stores close by the area. The people there are hurting and we’re trying to help. We are hurting financially too because we help when we can. I have no problem helping nor am I complaining. But how do we help such a poor community with limited resources? The people there can’t find jobs and have no transportation to get to town. Some of them have records and that makes it even harder to find a job. We do feed the kids one evening a week and some of the parents who stay with the kids. Our main campus church helps some but… Still so much need and it’s heartbreaking. I see the people there just give up because they don’t know what to do and they wonder how God loves them. It’s so hard to know what to do.
You are following the Lord’s command in Matthew 22:37-39. May God continue to bless you and show us each what to do. I just found this article by Jason and it is interesting to see how the Lord is still using it 2 years later.
I understand that people make bad choices in life that render them helpless. at one point in my life I made a great many bad choices and now pay dearly for them. I left my home in texas and moved to sc because I was acting in my flesh. I desire to go back home and was saving the little money I was making for my trip. and then I cut off my thumb wow. now Im so behind in rent and told my roommate I would be moving to texas so he could find a renter. long story short I am now poor and regrettably so. as Christ has forgiven me a great many however have not. my goal was to save about 2000 dollars and head back to the place I have good christian brothers I filled out applications one for a drug rehab were I once worked because it is in my heart to help. I dont want to sound like a marter yet right now the dippretion is getting to me the bible says “not a sparrow will hit the ground or go hungry how much better are we then sparrows” so not all poor people are bad there choices are so forgive me as Ive made some bad ones the only thing I have now is prayer and Yahweh on my side thank you and God bless
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7
Give because you WANT to give, out of your heart, not because you HAVE to give (necessity), which produces the “grudgingly” sour-puss attitude that comes with being MADE to do something we really don’t want to do in the first place.
Angels with Faith Ministries 501c3 non-profit charity located in Winder,GA 30680 announces that our annual Christmas Angels Program will kickoff on November 1st to provide Christmas gifts,holiday food baskets & warm clothing to children in need &their families all over Georgia.You can adopt a family for Christmas & either meet & work with them personally or through us,either way it is tax deductible for every cent that you spend.You can also donate toys(new & lightly used),warm clothing,shoes,coats,baby needs,Food for holiday baskets,Bikes,gift cards,electronics,working computers of all kinds,or make monetary donations via paypal on our websites or by mail or in person.We have volunteers available to pickup donations in georgia. Each year we receive 100s of families in dire need of Christmas assistance from DFCS,Toys for Tots,Salvation Army,Operation Christmas Child,The miltary,Empty stocking,etc ,schools,Churches,businesses,caring neighbors & some who come to us themselves,once the bigger charities either stop taking applications in october or get full they start sending families to us.Since we receive no funding at all & rely strictly on the tax deductible donations of angels we truelly need your help this year. We do not turn anyone in true need who lives in Georgia & isn’t receiving Christmas help from anywhere else(we do check) away because every child deserves to have a wonderful Christmas,food & warm clothing.We are a small group of volunteers working hard to make a difference in the lives of families in true need,crisis or after disasters & since we do not have any overhead costs & our volunteers do all of our promotional,website & other work we can give 100% of ALL donations directly to helping those in need.ALL donations are tax deductible our federal EIN number is 27-1972461.Our websites built & run by volunteers are angelswithfaithministries.beep.com & angelswithfaithministries.org Please be a Christmas Angel this year & adopt or sponsor a family or families in need in Georgia for Christmas or make a tax deductible donation to help us provdie Christmas to 100s of Georgia children email angelswithfaithministriesgeorgia@yahoo.com Phone Lori (director) 678-754-1541 Rev Michael Tuck 678-754-2337 or volunteer Avis at 678-887-1988
I just wanted to write on behalf of all the chronically ill who are also very poor. I really want to believe that God does not see us as a lost cause even though it is quite possible that we may never be able to help ourselves. Many of us live in poverty, without the most basic necessities and the medical diagnosis is permanently disabled. I would like to hear others thoughts on how God would like believers to help those kinds of poor.
Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?
Very great article ! I Agree that simply handing out money for the poor is not effective. For example, many homeless people have an addiction problem and they will use the money to buy drugs or alcohol.
Where you will never go wrong is if you offer food to the poor – I mean shouldn’t food and water be a basic human right, since these are necessary to sustain life ?
If you’d like to get to the kernel, read my last couple of paragraphs. The rest is background. However, the background helps you to understand my reasoning for the rest.
I’m sitting here on a Sunday morning when I could be in church. Why? Because I too, tired of the attitude that I’m somehow guilty of not having enough faith to lift myself out of my situation.
I left an abusive relationship. (I won’t even delve into those who said, “But he doesn’t hit you.”) Two of my four children were still dependent teens. Folks wondered how I’d be able to work with the chronic health problems I have. I prayed for discernment over and over. I took suggestions from my church to heart. I advertised for other single mother roommates. Two of the three abused the help and literally stole from me in the end. One, in departing (after I had to legally evict her), implied that as a Christian, she felt I’d be more forgiving when she ripped me off.
I found a job where I work 50+ hours a week in childcare (planning time and office paperwork done at home) and get paid for a maximum of 30. Between healthcare costs, taxes, and a rather “involuntary voluntary” contribution to my non-profit employer and a large community-based charity organization, I take home 45% of what I earn. I went back to school to be promoted in my line of work. I still take home less than $800 a month. My employer provides no vacation time because I am “parttime”. I’ve been there five years and had no week-long vacation, and only get six unpaid holidays a year.
I continued a small business on the side to help make ends meet. Sometimes, that means working a month or more straight with no days off. When business is slow, I quickly fall behind.
My house is now in foreclosure. I consulted an attorney who suggested bankruptcy, but she asked how I expect to live on what I make. She suggested “a third job” or finding another destitute person whom I can assist. I’m 52. I’m tired. My body hurts all the time. And I’m afraid of getting into another bad situation.
I apply for a half-dozen jobs weekly. I am selective as I’m not willing to get into another situation where I can’t make a living wage.
Folks, it IS the economy. There are plenty of jobs, yes. But can a person live on them? I work with a large number of college students. Even when they seek it out, they can’t find fulltime jobs. One of my sons has nearly earned two bachelor degrees (graduating in December). He is taking one class, and the best job he could find is 25 hours a week. He is living in a mouse- and flea-infested apartment because it’s what he can afford on his salary.
The last time I attended church, they willingly and enthusiastically offered to pray over me. They suggested that the “scales fall” from my eyes so that I could see more clearly. I’ve been attending this church for 10+ years. I was co-leader of their children’s ministry, putting my gifts as a childcare teacher and family entertainer (clown) to work. I have to admit, I was offended and have not been back. I had an offer from an old friend (non-church member) to live at his house, but one church leader suggested that I could be viewed as a “whore” if I took this man up on his offer. And no, that’s not my interpretation of the word he used. It’s the actual vocabulary used.
I don’t know where I’m going to live. I continue to search for jobs. I continue to work two jobs. I am battling health problems that make it difficult to work, but I soldier on.
TAKE HOME IDEA:
The thought that continues to come to my mind is community. And I don’t just mean getting together to fellowship. A single, parttime income is not an adequate income. Sometimes even a fulltime income isn’t. In the “old” days, people lived in family groups: grandparents, siblings, parents, and children. There were tight-knit ethnic communities where everyone lived together and helped. Why is this such an abhorrent principle now?
What about a Christian “commune”? I don’t mean kool-aid swilling automatons. I know that the mere word conjures visions of hippies and ultra-liberals, or child brides and worship of a human leader. No…no…no! Why did the early Christians sell all to help the poor? If we live in community, we are stronger together. I believe that a return to this model will not only solve many social situations, but truly unite us as Christians. I, for one, would welcome the opportunity, but don’t have the resources to bring this to bear. Accountability would have to be in order, but I, for one, would welcome the structure, as I already know that I’m a hard-working, dedicated Christian.
Please pray for me in this.
Thoughts, anyone?
I read this article and read many of the comments. As a poor person, I am here to tell ya, yes, I do believe God is with the poor very often. And it is very cool. If you never lived the life of a poor person, you could be quite shocked at what people do to get by, ecspecially in this recession. Being poor makes a person much more resourceful. In ways that can be degrading but nonethe less, often a life saver. I firmly believe the poor is not the people who are able to get on the welfare as much as the people who work a low paying job that gets a person absolutely no where. I am not saying the welfare people have a grand life either, however….they eat good, are able to get many benefits to help with the bills that a working person can not. What makes me very angry is those people who come along with all kinds of money and claim that “hard work” is why they are there. And I’m sure they are hard workers but many of them people have had opportunities fall into there lap. And have come from a family with money. They have the attitude , like, this is America, if you want money, you just go get it. And have these stupid ideas like you must be a drinker or drug user. Honestly, I was long long ago….and I had more money then! Today I do not use, I have a family and we do crazy things to get by. Like go through peoples trash to get things to clean up and resell. NO, not everyone going through your trash is looking for your identity. There are much more people like me out there looking for yard sale items, or ebay items. And yes, it has saved us more than once. We live in a very wasteful nation, if you only knew. And may I add, it is a very cruel world to the people on the bottom. You really get looked down upon. Because of this, I keep to myself all the time. People are mean. There is a church that once helped me a very lot, and I so wish the best to them always. I truly believe they are living Gods will. I did not ask them for anything at all, I’m not one to ask for things, but they helped me so much. I had a baby and they came into my home while I was in the hospital and filled it with all kinds of food and items for the baby. That was so nice and I was so touched. Another time, I deliver papers and my car was broke. I was afraid I would not have my job the next day. This same church lent me a car for the day. They never wanted anything in return. REally! When I said thank you, it suddenly occured to me then that they were doing just what God wanted them to. So, I do think there are people who appreciate it.
The poor are victims of Satan. They are the blind, the unseeing, and unhearing. They are enslaved by satan and his demons yet they cannot see it. Some strive to climb out of the slippery walled well in which they find themselves, but the demons keep kicking them back down.
The only hope is that they see a light. We are the lights, we shine. We know the truth, their spirits want to follow. But their demons, and ours, prevent us from leading and the poor from following. Satan sees our lights and puts extra special effort into dimming it.
Why? because he’s evil.
What can we do? Take comfort that Christianity continues to expand across the world and the light is broadening. Be kind, help where you can.Ask for the holy spirit to protect you. If you get taken out then pray to God for help. But ultimately when you face your biggest challenges, remember that your are following in the footsteps of Christ.
I really enjoyed reading the article and comments. I happened upon this by accident(love how God works) i agree with much of what was said by many. I am very poor, very very and the ppl at our church blame my husband to his face right after telling him to ask if there is something we need. what most people dont know is how hard it is to ask for help and how quickly life can get out of control and how hard it is to get back especially if you have a family also. My husband and i both have employeement and education goals that if we could ever meet would most likely take care of us being poor but being able to meet those goals with life happening also isnt always something that can just be done. since early this summer we have both had a hard time finding enough work. i work in health care and have been having a hard time even currently immaking less than half what i need to for us to just scrape by with the help of food stamps. we dont know whats going to happen day to day or how we will make it day by day it does make having faith a little harder but i certainly havent lost faith but i just wanted to say i am glad to see that there are some christians that will go outside the social stigma of helping the poor in oder to do it the way the bible teaches and some willing to go beyond that to not only meet the need but try to correct and prevent needs in the future. nothing is worse than being judged for having needs and even with as bad as things are in this country
(especially currently in the midwest) there is a way ppl blow off helping others by saying its all their fault they spend money wrong ive even heard if you have problems its because of sin you have in your life. it is not for us to judge just love i think if more of us remembered that things in this country would get a lot better we are not where we can hardly meet any of our needs but when we have been in a place we can we have helped not only ppl we knew but strangers and when we can we still do and will in the future God bless all of you and thanks again for the post.
Im a man of GOD that was in a accident on Aug 8,2012 I lost everything. I have a wife and two kids that depend on me but,now because of the accident I cannt provide. Before the accident GOD bless me to work for myself and I was doing good.Some people think when thing happen to a person, they are living wrong.That was not the case in my life,for me and my house we serve the LORD.What I dont understand is why we that says that we love the LORD wont help one another. Jesus gave a commandment that we should love one another but where is this love.I thank my LORD that I understand that HE is love, I will always help a person in because HE love a cheerful gaver.I need help where can I turn,I have faith but where is yours.Faith without work is dead,if you know where I can turn please tell me.May my GOD bless you all.
Poor people, when they can, help the sick, the poor, the disabled, the disadvantaged more than rich people do. This had been demonstrated in impartial studies. One can’t understand what it’s like to struggle unless he or she has walked in those shoes. This lack of empathy, or just plain selfishness, leads those who could help, but don’t, to look anywhere for an excuse to avoid their obligations to Christ. Instead of asking, “How can I help?” they wonder how they can say “no” and remain in His good graces. My extended family, evangelical Presbyterians, is this way.
The excuse they’ve agreed upon is: “Working on my relationship with Christ is more important.”
I’m not kidding you — that’s what they say.
we are not poor because of bad choices. we are poor because of illness, have gone eveywhere for help. but none. so what do I do?
I don’t speak from personal experience, i’ve never been poor. However there seems to be plenty of organisations willing to help the poor if they want to help themselves (here in the UK at least). Is this not true?
Colin – yes, there are many public agencies, religious groups and other charitable organizations in America that focus on the needs of the poor. I am a reporter for a newspaper near Detroit, and much of what I write about on my blog and newspaper column is aimed at the middle class and poverty brackets. The challenge for people who are honestly in need is that they get frustrated in trying to find what help they qualify for, and how to apply. Much of the information on how and where to seek help is passed on by referral from another social service agency or word of mouth. Here’s why: Charities and non-profits don’t have the money to advertise their services in the traditional sense. It’s rare to find a central database that links up to resources on a specific community; or to find someone in the news media who has the expertise to look into or discuss the needs of this demographic. A further complication is that eligibility rules for individual programs change on short notice, in response to available funding, updated poverty income brackets, or government officials trying to find an appropriate response to questions such as whether lottery jackpot winners are eligible for food assistance. So it is entirely possible that someone could be eligible for financial help … not know it … and furthermore have no idea how and where to ask for it.
Yea some great comments on here. I don’t make much but I give money away any opportunity I get. I just hope it was all put to good use thats all I care about. There are times where it didn’t go to good use but it taught me a huge lesson. I used to give a young lady money. But I later on found out she was using it to get her nails done and what not. I’m sure she used some of it for her kids I’m hoping. She gave me these real sob stories and I fell for it. I gave her whatever I could: Kids clothing, shampoo, baby stuff and so on. I really wish all the funds I gave here I could have given to someone else though. But there are a bunch of ppl where I live who are in need so those are the ones I look out for. And you guys keep doing what your doing God will reward either in this life or the life to come.
I must say, where i live (columbus, oh), there are no
Churches that I am aware of who will help, not even if you are a member. Yes this includes the one on tbn where you have to show w2 to join. They ( these churches) turn everyone away, wont even give a person 5.00 for gas to get to work, but expect you to pay tithes when you no longer are employed because you couldn’t get to work. They are selfish, so I have decided to give to homeless shelters, ppl on street, all the ppl the church won’t help, because my tithes should not be going toward a jet or some meaningless conference. There are ppl out there like myself who fell on hard times. Don’t really have anywhere to stay, lost car, lost home, etc, whatever the reason, we are not to turn anyone away, if we are able to help them, like you said , its the grace of God for those who are not in that situation. But there’s always tomorrow
Mt: I couldnt agree with you more! I’ve noticed that those preachers preach more about money and prosperity than they do JESUS and incessantly claim that the reason God wants to bless you is so you can be a blessing to others. Yet, they themslves do not want to hear/know about the needs in their congregations and certainly do not want to use the fortune they amass every week to bless others. I have witnessed it myself and heard it from others time and time again. Many such testimonies on You Tube. It is sickening to see how they collect a fortune every week, TAX FREE, and how the tithes and offerings church attendants work so hard to get, pay for insanely luxurious lifestyles of these people who just go on preaching those same lies day in and day out. It’s even more sickening that they have continued to do so in these very difficult economic times. In fact they’ve preached that you should increase your giving! It does not in any way reflect the love of Jesus for people, but rather nothing other than selfishness and greed. One very well known mega church preacher I will not name can even be heard on You Tube preaching that if it weren’t for Jesus, he’d like to have those who don’t tithe “shot dead in the parking lot” before the service begins! Can it get anymore outrageous than that?!! That’s how much many have lost track of what Jesus is all about.
The tithe is not even part of the NEW covenant!! The tithe in OLD Testament had nothing to do with money and making the priest rich! The tithe was stock, produce, grains etc, and only those who produce these goods were commanded to bring it in to a particular place so that ALL of God’s people could have a big feast together. THAT’s what God’s issue in Malachi 3 was all about but today’s preachers have twisted it to keep the millions rolling in! In OT, The poor, orphans, widows were NEVER, NOT EVER required to bring a tithe but rather they were invited to join in the feast and eat FREELY to their hearts’ content and everyone, rich and poor, celebrated together. Those of us who TRULY know Him know in our hearts THAT is the loving heart of our Heavenly Father! And whatsmore, the tithe was a command to JEWISH people, NOT the Gentiles. So the command doesn’t even apply to anyone who isn’t Jewish today! Those preachers have made our Heavenly Father look even meaner than Robin Hood! At least Robin Hood took from the rich to give to the poor, not the other way around!! They portray our loving Daddy as someone who ‘demands’ that His less well off children give their hard earned money, in many cases so much beyond what they can afford, to His filthy rich children and then, He watches His poor children slip further into poverty unble to pay their bills! What kind of Father would do that even at a human level?!! THAT is not at all Who He is! Jesus NEVER ONCE demanded anything from anyone, let alone money from poor followers; He had a Treasurer which means He had money. He took care and provided for all His disciples’ needs.. and He, Himself said: “If you’ve seen Me you have seen the Father”. He came to reveal the Father’s Love for all of us and His generosity TO ALL, not a selected few.
There is brilliant TRUE teaching on what the TRUE tithe WAS in OT on You Tube and also from Andrew Wommack’s ministry @ awmi.net and Bertie Brits @ Dynamicministries.com
and many others.. If you look into those, the issue of tithing will be settled in your heart once and for all.. Blessings to all..
My story – I used to attend church and tithe, I run a licensed care home in a very poor rural area where senior incomes are very limited- and becoming more so- due to rising costs of everything, running a care home takes a little money as does any business (mortgage, 2nd, utilities, taxes, licensure, activities, food, transportation, etc.). I am about to lose my home and business that is desperately needed here. I still have my 1994 wheelchair accessible van but the car was repossessed. The economy is killing everything slowly and those of us who are trying to help the poor and disabled are dying as well. My business costs keep rising but I cannot increase my rates to these poor people who need my care. If one entity GAVE me a 150K DONATION right now, I could pay off the mortgage, catch up the taxes and open my care home doors to lower rates a serve those in need – a DONATED CAR would help too as my van sucks down $400/gal gas! I have a needed business but the economy does not help it thrive! I have a mortgage company that gets a financial slap on the hand for doing business with drug cartels in South America and laundering money but will they work with me and my mortgage – NO! Am I poor – YES – will the US take that money they get from this mortgage company to help we mortgagees – what do you think? I am about to be one of those homeless people but please do not ever think it was because I did not do all I could do to try and live a good Christian life and help others in need. I did tithe and go to church but am too destitute to even be able to afford the gas to get there now. It is a very small church and their ability to help me is non-existent except through prayer. My savings is gone, I have no insurance and the mild, hopefully non-recurring cardiac episode I had last night (I am a retired nurse) has me literally feeling the effects of inevitably losing my home and business. I pray and pray and quite honestly cannot see a way for God to help me out of this without a financial miracle and many of those that are his bodies on his planet and able to help a person struggling are not in the giving mode! If anyone in your field knows anyone willing to help me out and be the inheritee of my home, property, business (and animals if they outlive me) and worldly belongings when I am gone – please have them contact me! I have no children so when I go, you can have it all!
BUT – I will ask that you continue helping the poor, the disabled and their pets in this low income area to the best of your ability! Who knows what the future holds but GOD and hopefully he will see that my writing this gets it into someones hands who can help me so I can continue to help others! Blessed Be to all of you. Allowing me to vent and make a little more public my needs has lowered my stress for the moment! With Gods help I will be able to survive this mess!
Do you think God still holds the souls of those of us who seriously have no money (my internet access will be cut off shortly I am sure) but speak to him daily and do church in our gardens he has given us for the time being? Does he know I don’t have the gas to drive to church at the moment?
A homeless person told me of a man who did not have any money to give him but he gave him his phone number and said call me whenever you feel down and I will pray for you and be your friend. This person told me that that meant more to him than if the fellow gave him money. Many of the poor are alone in this world. Adult orphans. True religion is to visit orphans in their time of need. If we are bearing the name of Christ, we should be reaching out in friendship to the poor and distressed in this world lest we be hypocrites .