The disciples haggled over money that could have been spent on the poor (Matt.26:6-13). That’s symptomatic of many people today. “Look at all the waste! Think how many poor people could have benefitted from those funds!” But do they help the poor? Jesus didn’t have much, yet he helped the poor. The gospels all report the two famous occasions when He fed thousands.

It makes no difference if a country is wealthy, the poor are always present. The Babylonians were one of the wealthiest nations on earth, yet Daniel scolded Nebuchadnezzar for his lack of mercy to the poor (Daniel 4:27). We live in a wealthy country too, but the poor are all around us. Well-meaning governments do what they can to help, but there’s never enough to expel poverty.

We often think the poor suffer because of a lack of ambition, foresight, poor choices – and this is sometimes true. But poverty arises out of many circumstances. Housing prices are so high in some of our cities that many work in the daytime and sleep in their cars at night. I went to elementary school with kids who lived in tiny shacks and brought little food for lunch; their parents struggled to make ends meet. Sometimes a poor economy throws people out on the street. Abuse, violence and mental health problems all spawn poverty.

Let’s not decide that society’s social programs will do. Too many people suffer hunger pains while waiting for organizations to make up their minds. How many “fall through the cracks?” Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Paul said, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal.6:10). God-fearing Cornelius “gave many alms to the Jewish people” (Acts 10:2).

Helping the poor demands wisdom and skill. There are times when giving creates problems. It must be done carefully. Sometimes we suffer discouragement by the behaviour of people. Yet, Paul pointed out, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal.6:9).

Life is not just accumulating as much wealth as possible for our own use. It’s also what we do with it for others.

– Tim Johnson