“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Proverbs 19:17
In a world where wealth inequality continues to grow, understanding the biblical perspective on giving to the poor has never been more relevant. God is generous and compassionate. He cares for the poor, who are often powerless and overlooked in society and He expects us to do the same. Our acts of kindness to the poor are not merely acts of charity but also acts of worship to the Lord.
HELPING THE POOR
God calls us to live generously by helping the poor. This can take many forms according to their needs, like giving food, shelter, money or words of encouragement. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says, “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be”.
There is no act of kindness that is too small in God’s eyes, each one reflects His love to the world. When we help those in need, we are honouring God. Proverbs 14:31 says, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
LENDING TO GOD
Lending is usually something done with the expectation of repayment. When we give to the poor, we are lending to God. The recipients are not expected to repay us, but God Himself ensures that we are rewarded. God doesn’t need anything from us, but He invites us to participate in His work through generosity. We give with the assurance that God will honour our giving in His own time and way. Our Lord Jesus says, “whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me” (Matt 25:40). May we continue to show mercy to the poor and not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart (Heb 13:16).
A PROMISED REWARD
God promises to reward us for our generosity. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” . Though the reward is not always immediate nor material, God is faithful to reward us in ways that go far beyond our expectations. It could come in the form of peace, joy, spiritual growth, or favour. We are instructed to do our charitable deeds in secret and our Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward us openly (Matt 6:1-4).
When we give to the poor, we are actively participating in the mission of God on earth. We are serving as His hands and feet, and our acts of generosity become a testimony of His love and faithfulness. As we help the needy, we are assured that God sees our actions and will bless us. The impact of our giving may not always be immediately visible, but it is no less powerful.
Further study: 1 John 3:17
Sign up to be notified every time there is a new post!