What does the Bible say about the poor?

Scripture

Deuteronomy 15: 7-11

“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.

Observation

1. God commands me to be generous with the poor.  I have a tendency to become skeptical and cynical towards the poor.  I wonder why they do not have a job or are they spending their money correctly.  I can be very judgmental.  Even if I am right the Bible teaches me to be a giver, to help the needy, and to be generous.  I can be wise in my giving but I cannot develop a hard heart.  Because some people are lazy and may try to take advantage of me is no reason not to help those who are genuinely in need.  Besides if I give with a right heart and do the best I can to be discerning, God will take care of it.  I give with a clean conscience.

2. God promises to bless me when I give generously with a right heart.

He person I give to may not be appreciative but God keeps count and he will reward me.  God will get it to me if he can get it through me.

Application

1. Tithe faithfully

2. Give to advance God's kingdom

3. Give to help the poor

Prayer

This is all about my heart. Make my heart like yours.  My Father is a generous giver who loves to bless his children.  I want to be like that. I want to be a giver.  Make my life a blessing to others.