Meeting Material Needs

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There is no question that Christians fall short of the ethical demands of scripture if they fail to meet the basic material needs of the poor around them.

James 2:15-17 reminds us of the importance of good works in the Christian life and uses material support of the poor as the primary example:

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

When there are legitimate material needs in the communities around us, we have a gospel obligation to meet them. However, true poverty extends well beyond having unmet material needs.

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Helping the needy

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Christians are commanded to help one another but we are also called to help those who are less fortunate than we are. Proverbs 21:13 is among the most powerful calls from God to help those who are hungry because “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." First John 3:17 states that “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? " Job wrote, “ I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them" (Job 29:12).

God asked, “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood " (Isaiah 58:7)? We also need to “ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Prov 31:8-9). In fact, “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern " (Prov 29:7).

Jesus Warns of Those Who Ignore the Poor

 

 

Teaching children the importance of giving to others, whether time, money or energy, is one of the most valuable character traits in a child of God. The Bible is filled with verses and examples of people of all ages helping others. It doesn't matter if you have a lot to give or a little, it's the heart that matters! Read these Scriptures about helping others and be encouraged today to go make a difference in someone's life! You never know how a small act of kindness can draw someone closer to God.

 

Proverbs 3:27
Proverbs  19:1
Romans. 12:13
Romans  15:1
1John 4:19-20
Luke 12:33-34
Matthew 25:44-45
Matthew 25:35-40
James 2:14-40