REAL. LIFE. Biblical Reflections:
Why care for the poor?
The REAL. LIFE. Exhibit helps us experience what real life is like for many people in our world. Sometimes the needs seem so overwhelming that we feel paralyzed. It’s helpful to remember: I’m only one person, but I can make a difference.
Allow God to use the following questions and passages to guide your reflections and discussion:
1. Why should we care about the poor, the vulnerable and the distressed?
Read and discuss the following passages that reveal how God responds to the poor and distressed:
“[God] lifts the poor from the dust—yes, from a pile of ashes! He treats them like princes, placing them in seats of honor.” (1 Samuel 2:8*)
“The Lord replies, ‘I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.’” (Psalm 12:5)
“Lord, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy . . . ?” (Psalm 35:10)
“He lifts the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump.” (Psalm 113:7)
“But to the poor, O Lord, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat.” (Isaiah 25:4)
What is your personal response?
2. How does the Bible ask us to reflect His character and actions?
Read and discuss the following passages that reveal God's character and response to the poor and distressed:
“There will always be some among you who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share your resources freely with the poor and with [others] in need.” (Deuteronomy 15:11)
“Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.” (Psalm 72:4)
“Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.” (Psalm 82:4)
“Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:9)
“I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them.” (Isaiah 58:7)
“John replied, ‘If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.’” (Luke 3:11)
What is your personal response?
3. In addition to the blessings for the poor and distressed, what happens when we care for the poor and people in crisis?
Read and discuss the following passages that reveal the blessings God shares wth whose who respond to the needs of the poor and distressed:
“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The Lord rescues them in times of trouble.” (Psalm 41:1)
“Blessed are those who help the poor.” (Proverbs 14:21)
“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor him.” (Proverbs 14:31)
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (Proverbs 19:17)
“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)
“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing.” (Proverbs 28:27)
“Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.” (2 Corinthians 9:9)
What is your personal response?
4. Even though most of us cannot go to help people in refugee camps, people in garbage dumps, or people dying of AIDS, we all can do something.
I can pray
- How will you pray for people affected by disaster, conflict, and poverty?
- See the Prayer Guides.
I can give
I can advocate
- How will you “speak up for the poor and helpless”?
- I can advocate [PDF] with our leaders
I can volunteer
*All Scripture passages are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
"Blessed are those who help the poor."
Proverbs 14:21