Proverbs 14:31

Proverbs 14:31 (AMP)  31  He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.

Could it be possible to make a stronger statement to us to remember the poor? We see this command again when Paul speaks with the Apostolic leadership in Jerusalem about his desire to take the gospel to the Gentiles. They give Paul their blessing with one admonition. In your preaching the good news always remember the poor. Here is his response. “They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10) 

Remembering the poor is not just about making an effort to meet their physical needs. It is also about showing mutual respect and human dignity. Read carefully the following words of James to the church, to you and me. 

James 2:2-13 (NLT) 1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes.3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

Several years ago a missionary came to speak at our church. It was a compelling story about his work with orphaned children overseas and their desperate need for additional housing. My heart broke as he shared his love and sacrifice for these poor kids. I sensed God speaking to me to give the money from my retirement account, all of it! I was shocked! It wasn’t much by some standards but it was all we had. I struggled with the request and hesitantly turned to my wife Linda and told her what I thought God was asking of us. After a very short conversation and prayer she agreed. We have never regretted our decision and were thankful for the leading of the Holy Spirit and the opportunity to help.   

1 John 3:17 (NLT) If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the mercy that you have shown to my family and me me over the years. There have been so many times when you have blessed us in unexpected and miraculous ways. You have given us the faith and courage to open our hearts to so many. Help us to remain faithful, to honor the poor and to honor You. Amen