The Poor

One time a  friend gave me a print out of all the Bible references to the poor. I enjoyed reading through them, & seeing some consistent themes.

1. God wants us to be mindful of those experiencing poverty, to care about them, their reality, & our ability to affect. 
2. Almost all of the references are directed at the giver, not the receiver. 
3. Our being generous illustrates the loving generosity of God.
4. When we get this right, good things happen.   

Obviously these are simple observations of scriptures rich in context & meaning. But I find it helpful sometimes when dealing with the realities of poverty to remember the big picture. To remember that Jesus wants us to see that our hearts & actions are connected to the larger mission He has called us to.

I sometimes get asked if feeding people & clothing people for free isn't just creating & enabling dependence. Perhaps they are right in some instances. But here's the question. Why is there no mention of any conditions in the gospels for helping the poor? Jesus's words always seemed to be in the context of "just do it" why do you think it's like that?

Perhaps it's because freely giving & serving is the best illustration of His free Grace & Mercy towards us? Or perhaps it is because in a relationship, even a dependent one where there is trust, truth, & teaching for change can happen

Most of the people I have encountered are truly grateful for the help they receive.

I have also observed that If you bless people on the margins,  you will also bless the city.