The Priority Of The Poor

Reference: Deuteronomy 14:7 "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. . . . 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: God has set Himself on the side of the poor. When we give to them we are giving to God. It is really a matter of heart. God knows that if we give to those in need, it softens us up inside.

Not only is it the right thing to do but God has promised a blessing for us, if we give, as well. It may be frustrating that the "problem" of poverty is never solved"”no matter how much we give there are still poor people around. God may allow that in order to keep us generous.

Application/Confession: I give monthly to a ministry that cares for the poor, but I could do, and should, do more. I need to keep my heart open to those who are in need and to be ready to give. It is too easy for me to think, "They go themselves into this mess, I shouldn’t be expected to bail them out." I need to realize that the giving is as much for my blessing as it is for theirs.

PRAYER: Give me your compassion. I know you care for the needy. You care for me when I am in need. Let me have the same kind of heart that you do.