Subscription Lists
The Way
by Kevin Pauley
"If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the LORD your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has. 9 Be careful that there isn't this wicked thought in your heart, 'The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,' and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty. 10 Give to him, and don't have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do. 11For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, 'You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.' – Deuteronomy 15:7-11 HCSB
According to the World Bank, half the world — nearly three billion people — lives on less than two dollars a day. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the poorest 48 nations (i.e. a quarter of the world’s countries) is less than the wealth of the world’s three richest people combined. 20% of the population in the developed nations consume 86% of the world’s goods. The developing world now spends $13 on debt repayment for every $1 it receives in grants. A few hundred millionaires now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people.
Poverty is not, in and of itself, a wicked or sinful thing.[1] In fact, simplicity of lifestyle and a lack of materialism can be a blessing.[2] However, when poverty reaches a certain level it can cause a person to be at risk.[3]
Sometimes, the poor have brought the situation upon themselves[4] and their problems are part of the consequences of their sin. Sometimes poverty, is inflicted by God.[5] Because of this, there is a tendency to overlook or to look down on the poor[6], but economic status cannot be used as a general litmus test for intelligence, moral character, wisdom or spirituality.[7]
The Bible does not advocate preferential treatment for the poor. It does not teach that the rich are particularly blessed or the poor particularly cursed by God. Either great riches or grinding poverty can be a tough challenge.[8]
When poverty stems from injustice, the Ransomed must attempt to rectify the situation.[9] We should attempt to alleviate poverty’s social consequences.[10] It is a mitzvah to care for the poor. Relief for the poor is as much an act of worship as church attendance or prayer.[11] In fact, care for the poor, the payment of debt and economic justice is a way to determine whether or not salvation has truly been realized.[12]
[1] Psalm 37:16; Proverbs 13:8; 19:1,22; 28:6; 29:19
[2] Ecclesiastes 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
[4] laziness Proverbs 20:13; 24:30-34; addiction 23:21; chasing fantasies 28:19
[7] Proverbs 28:11; Ecclesiastes 4:13-14; Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 16:20-23; 2 Corinthians 6:10
[8] Proverbs 22:2; Matthew 19:21-24; Mark 10:25; James 1:9-10; 2:1-4
[9] Proverbs 13:23; 18:23; 22:7; James 2:6-7
[11] Deuteronomy 26:12-13; Proverbs 19:17; Isaiah 58:6-7; Nehemiah 8:8-10; Ezekiel 18:7-9; Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 12:233-34; 14:12-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-14
[12] Ezekiel 18:7-9; Matthew 25:33-46; Luke 12:33-34; 14:12-14; 19:8-9; Galatians 2:9-10; James 2:14; 1 John 3:17
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Way" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.