compassion-toward-the-poor
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A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them
Definition of the Poor:
Someone who is struggling to meet the minimum needs of life: Food, clothing, health care, and shelter.
Webster: Having little or no money, goods, or other means of support.
Discernment:-
“Does this include everyone who makes a request for help?”
“Am I obligated to help everyone who squanders their opportunities or mismanages their life?”
True Poverty:-
Third World People
Homeless
Observations:-
Long life and limited resources can make a person needy.
Poor health can make us needy.
One family here spends $12,000 a year on medicine.
Wrong Attitudes Toward the Poor:-
Take advantage of them.
Look down on them.
Blame them.
Coddle them? – No
Help them? – Yes
Right Attitudes Toward the Poor:-
Love and help them-Jesus did!
Treat them as human equals with dignity and respect.
Leave some of our prosperity to them: “Leave the corners of the field.”
Don’t Oppress The Poor: Be honest in your dealings.
Our Priorities – Share with others.
Working for Justice:-
Fair Laws and Programs.
Balance giving help and getting them to help themselves.
Teaching Some of the Cardinal Virtues of Christianity:-
Accountability.
Self-control.
Dependability.
Deferred gratification
Honesty.
Hard work.
Sharing With the Needy:-
Missions.
Local Benevolence Programs.
The Church Pantry.
Individual Actions.
Conclusion:-
The Story of the King and the Beggar.
