Galatians 2:10
“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.”
The Lord has a special place in His heart for those at the bottom. In this verse, the poor are referenced. In other locations it’s the most vulnerable members of society, children. Matthew 18:6 says, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Yet another group that is at the bottom that the Lord is partial to is the humble. ‘But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”‘, (James 4:6).
The last group mentioned in the bible is focused on in James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Most of us are busy. How do we go about helping these? Several ways come to mind. The Lord has given us all talents. As we grow in Christ, we begin to use those to help the church and others. We should all be serving in some way (I Peter 4:10).
The Lord will bring circumstances in our way in which we are to help. It might not be connected to our talents. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” This is the most pure form of ministry, helping people who approach us. I have encountered many this year with very grave circumstances. In some cases they’ve asked for prayer, in others I’ve volunteered it.
Another way in which we are to help the needy is with our finances. As believers we are to give 10% of our income to the church. A portion of that goes to the poor and needy. Other fractions go to missions and so on. We can give beyond that to organizations that serve.
All of this involves giving to others. The Lord wants us to be generous people. It doesn’t only involve our funds, but our time and compassion. As we do this, the Lord rewards us. A famous verse on giving is Malachi 3:10, ‘“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows”‘. As we give to the Lord, He gives back much more. It may be with finances, but will certainly be in contentment, character and blessing.
Lord, help us to assist the lowest in society. If it be those we encounter or those we seek out. Help us to use our talents. Help us also with our giving. Thank You that You give back much more.