Jesus spent so much of his (recorded) ministry helping the poor and associating with the less-fortunate. I was reading in Deuteronomy this morning, specifically chapter 24, and it really struck me how compassionate God is, and how important it is that we do not live our life without the consideration of those who have less than we do. It seems like it's easy to get busy with life, donate a little money here and there, give old clothes and things away, and think we are doing enough. More and more lately, I'm feeling like I'm not doing enough.
Here are some of the verses that jumped out and grabbed me:
v12) If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. [The pledge was his cloak or covering, and he would need it to keep warm at night.]
v14) Pay him [a hired man] his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. [It is stressful to live hand to mouth, and God is good and loving. He wants to minimize their stress.]
v17) Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. [Same idea as v12 - show compassion to those who are suffering.]
v19 - 21) [Basically, don't go back over your crops and get every last bit of food.] "Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow..."
Granted, we need to be smart with our limited resources, and try our best to help those who truly need help. But I probably err on the side of cautiousness, rather than compassion. Food for thought...
I like the way you have applied this to yourself and not pointed fingers at anyone else.
@justtesting21 - that does happen more often then not, sadly.
We discussed the poor a lot on Saturday night at our home church too as we were going through Proverbs 21. Everyone had a different idea on what our responsibility was or how to deal with the poor practically. It was a lively discussion, including the teenagers. They had some interesting ideas.
@mydailysurrender - I bet...it can be such a hot button. It's a tough issue to face. It's one thing to sit around and theorize, but something totally different to actually get out and take action. Sadly, I do more of the former than the latter...need to change that.
Granted, it is a tough topic. However, even a small effort is appreciated. One has to start somewhere.
Comments (6)
I like the way you have applied this to yourself and not pointed fingers at anyone else.
@justtesting21 - that does happen more often then not, sadly.
We discussed the poor a lot on Saturday night at our home church too as we were going through Proverbs 21. Everyone had a different idea on what our responsibility was or how to deal with the poor practically. It was a lively discussion, including the teenagers. They had some interesting ideas.
@mydailysurrender - I bet...it can be such a hot button. It's a tough issue to face. It's one thing to sit around and theorize, but something totally different to actually get out and take action. Sadly, I do more of the former than the latter...need to change that.
Granted, it is a tough topic. However, even a small effort is appreciated. One has to start somewhere.
@mydailysurrender - true...very true.