Giving to the Poor

Giving is important in the life of a disciple of Jesus; that is not something anyone would dispute. It does become difficult, though, when the issue of "enabling" is brought in to the picture. What if the needy and poor are needy and poor because of their own behaviors - like laziness?

The first, most easy answer to the question of, "How do we know if or when to give?", is to say, "Just be led by your spirit." But that is not really the end-all answer. First of all, because being led by your spirit requires experience to develop the ability to tell the difference between your spirit and your mind - intellectual ability. ". . .but strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14)

Second of all, in order for our spirit to be strong we must build it up through Bible reading and communication with God (prayer). ". . .Be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Without a renewed mind and the ability to see things the way God sees things, we are left to our own unregenerate ways of thinking.

Giving to the poor, however, can be a great way to be a witness to them about the goodness of God. It can be an open door to tell them that you are able to bless them because God has blessed you, and that He loves them too and cares about them.

As far as troubles being self-inflicted goes, a good deal of the troubles we all experience are self-inflicted. Neglecting prayer and Bible reading, procrastination or falling into temptation and making bad choices can cause us to experience negative circumstances. Perhaps that is why Paul wrote, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith." "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." (Roman 12:3 & 16)

It is good for us to remember that in God's sight, we too were poor and destitute, rebellious, ignorant of His ways, and yet, "God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Another reason to give to the poor is because human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1) Even though they may be in a fallen state and are not deemed worthy of respect right now, each person carries the potential to be an image- bearer of God.

If you decide to give help to the poor, remember to do it as though you are giving directly to the Lord, expecting nothing in return and remember to pray for them also - that God will use your witness and these circumstances to soften their hearts and open a way for them to be drawn to Him and ultimately be set free from the bondage of sin in their lives. We are not the saviors, but we can tell them who is the savior; and we cannot single-handedly meet everyone else's needs. The needs are so great, and we are limited in what we can do. However, praying beforehand is always a good thing! :-) If the Lord's blessing is upon our work it will have a far greater impact, and we will have joy in the work we do. If there is no joy in our giving, then perhaps the Lord is not leading you to give monetarily - but praying is always the right thing to do!