James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
– Galatians 2:9–10 (NIV)
In our foundational text, the Apostle Paul reflects on the endorsement of his and Barnabas’ ministry by key figures in the early church—Peter, James, and John. Notably, these leaders emphasized the significance of remembering the poor. This brings to mind how important the leaders of the early church saw the issue of giving to the poor.
As believers, we mustn’t underestimate or trivialize this responsibility. Regrettably, some individuals not only neglect the plight of the poor but also propagate the misguided notion that it holds little importance. Such teachings stand in direct contradiction to the core principles of Christianity, and we must be vigilant against embracing ideologies that deviate from the compassionate essence of our faith. We are called to be tender-hearted and generous to those in need.
The Apostle James said:
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
– James 1:27 (NIV)
If in all our Christian devotion and activities, we have no love for those in need, we are hypocrites. We must see it as an important responsibility. The Bible says:
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
– Proverbs 19:17
Lastly, in 2 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul writes about the blessing of generosity and giving to those in need. Amongst the many blessings, he mentions that those whose needs you have supplied will be grateful to God on your behalf, thanking Him for you and praying for you. That’s a serious blessing, and a lot of people don’t know it. That’s why God dearly takes care of those who do not forget people in need. Here’s the passage:
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.
– 2 Corinthians 9:7–14 (NLT)
Prayer
Help me, Holy Spirit, to be tenderhearted and generous to those in need. Amen.
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