The Bible places great emphasis on assisting the poor and
helpless, especially orphans, widows, and the handicapped. In
Israelite society, no paid work was available to women; thus, a widow and her
children had no livelihood. Neither was work available for the seriously handicapped
in this nation of farmers and shepherds. The poor were to be helped without
charging any interest. God said that neglecting the poor was a sin. Permanent
poverty was not allowed in Israel. Financially secure families were
responsible to help and house those in need.
Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because the size of the problem overwhelms us and we don’t know where to begin. God doesn’t expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does he expect you to neglect your family while providing for others. He does, however, expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality.
Respond
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Ask God to open your eyes to the desperate needs of people in your world.
Consider what you can do to help alleviate those needs, to show compassion in Christ’s name. Then pray for the courage and wisdom to respond to the needs you see.
Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because the size of the problem overwhelms us and we don’t know where to begin. God doesn’t expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does he expect you to neglect your family while providing for others. He does, however, expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality.
Respond
=======
Ask God to open your eyes to the desperate needs of people in your world.
Consider what you can do to help alleviate those needs, to show compassion in Christ’s name. Then pray for the courage and wisdom to respond to the needs you see.
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