Giving money to help the poor is an important biblical principle that Christians are called to follow. Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear that we are to be generous and care for those in need. In today’s world, poverty continues to be a major problem across the globe. As Christ’s followers, we are called to compassionately serve and share with the less fortunate. The Bible provides much guidance on how we can faithfully steward our finances to honor God and love others.
Old Testament Teachings on Caring for the Poor
In the Old Testament, God set up laws and regulations to provide for the poor in ancient Israelite society. Farmers were commanded to leave parts of their harvest in the fields for the poor to gather (Leviticus 19:9-10). The Sabbatical Year mandated that the land be left fallow every seventh year so the poor could eat whatever grew naturally (Exodus 23:10-11). Israelites were also prohibited from charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites and exploiting the vulnerable (Exodus 22:25).
Additionally, the tithe (giving 10% of income) was instituted in the Old Testament not only to support the Levites and the tabernacle/temple, but also to meet the needs of marginalized groups like orphans, widows and immigrants (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for neglecting the poor and failing to uphold God’s commands regarding their care (Isaiah 10:1-3, Ezekiel 16:49, Amos 2:6-7). Overall, the Old Testament law sought to provide multiple avenues of help for the disadvantaged.
Notable Old Testament Verses
“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:6-8)
New Testament Principles on Wealth and Helping the Poor
In the Gospels, Jesus regularly ministered to the poor, outcast and marginalized. His teachings reinforced the Old Testament commands regarding the vulnerable and emphasized the dangers of wealth and living in self-centered ways. Jesus warned against serving money instead of God (Matthew 6:24) and accumulation of wealth without generosity (Luke 12:16-21). The rich young ruler was told by Jesus to sell his possessions and give to the poor as an act of discipleship (Luke 18:18-25). Christ taught the importance of sacrificial giving, even of a poor widow’s two small coins (Mark 12:41-44).
Jesus’ message of good news offered hope, value and acceptance to the destitute and rejected members of society (Luke 4:18, 7:22). He instructed his followers to invite and care for the poor without expecting repayment (Luke 14:12-14). The coming of God’s kingdom turns upside down many worldly assumptions about wealth, status and poverty.
In Acts 2-4, the early church put Jesus’ teachings into practice through holding possessions in common, selling property to meet needs, and making sure distribution was made to any who were in need. Their unity and generosity was a powerful witness to the reality of Christ’s transforming work.
The epistles continue the emphasis on caring for the disadvantaged. Paul organized a collection from Gentile churches to help the poor in the Jerusalem church (Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9). Pure and undefiled religion in God’s eyes includes looking after orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27). No one can claim to love God while refusing to help a brother or sister in need (1 John 3:17).
Notable New Testament Verses
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:33-34)
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13-14)
“They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10)
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
How are Christians to Give to the Poor?
Scripture provides wisdom on how our giving to the poor and needy should be carried out. Our motivation makes a great difference. We are to give freely without expecting anything in return – no repayment, recognition or control over the recipient. Giving should come from compassion and a generous spirit, not compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).
It is best to give anonymously whenever appropriate. Ostentatious giving violates Christ’s commands against self-promotion (Matthew 6:2-4). But anonymous giving allows the full focus to remain on the needs of the recipients.
Wisdom should be used in discerning real needs versus mere wants. The Biblical priority is on meeting basic necessities – food, clothing, shelter (1 Timothy 6:8). Sometimes irresponsible requests require gracious but firm refusal.
Believers should seek to give in ways that also equip and empower recipients towards greater self-sufficiency. ThisBiblical principles of vocational stewardship and personal responsibility should be upheld alongside compassion (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12).
Giving should be personal whenever possible, not just dropping money in an offering plate. Person-to-person sharing allows givers to understand individual stories and build relationships. Jesus said when we serve “the least of these”, we are in fact ministering to Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
Of course, systemic realities of injustice also need to be addressed on a larger scale. This may involve advocacy, ethical purchasing, employment practices that fight poverty, and similar corporate efforts by Christian organizations. Both personal acts of mercy and wider engagement are needed.
Principles of Wise and Responsible Giving
- Give freely without expecting repayment
- Give anonymously or discreetly when appropriate
- Give wisely by discerning real needs versus mere wants
- Give in ways that also empowerrecipients towards greater self-sufficiency
- Give personally and relationally as much as possible
- Address systemic poverty, injustice and exploitation throughadvocacy and corporate engagement
Common Questions and Objections
Some common questions arise about Bible verses that seem to criticize the poor (2 Thessalonians 3:10) or elevate the rich (1 Timothy 6:17-19). A thorough study in context reveals balanced principles. Scripture condemns laziness and irresponsibility while praising hard work and industriousness. The poor need material aid but also remindersto do what they can. The rich must reject selfish luxury while generously meeting needs of others.
Doesn’t Jesus say we will always have the poor with us (Matthew 26:11)? This is true, but it is never anexcuse for indifferent neglect. Sin’s effects and human failingensures a broken world. But Christ-followers must still combat injustice and show mercy as best they can.
Didn’t Jesus criticize Judas for complaining about anointing expensive perfume instead of selling it to help the poor (John 12:4-8)? Jesus affirmed the woman’s adoring worship. Loving God has priority. But He did not forbid special offerings or deny our duties to the poor elsewhere.
Isn’t poverty sometimes due to laziness or irresponsibility? Yes, Scripture frankly addresses this. But it is wrong to assume poverty is always someone’s fault. Many factors – disability, disaster, discrimination, lack of access or opportunity – can cause disadvantage.
Doesn’t too much hand-out create dependency and enable dysfunction? This can happen without proper discernment. But refusal to help in hopes it will “motivate” change is unloving. Empowerment alongside compassion is best. Acute crisis requires mercy first.
Overall we must reject any view of wealth that says it proves God’s favor and blessing. Scripture makes clear that spiritual status before God does not depend on material possessions.
Applying These Biblical Principles Today
In today’s complex world, how can we wisely live out the Bible’s commands to generously assist and empower the poor? Here are some suggestions:
For Individuals and Families
- Regularly give a percentage of income to poverty-focused charities. Tithe if possible.
- Sponsor a child through a charity like Compassion International or World Vision.
- Go on short-term mission trips to serve the poor overseas.
- Volunteer locally with food banks, homeless assistance programs, or anti-trafficking ministries.
- Provide meals for sick, elderly or financially-stressed neighbors.
- Hire refugees or those re-entering the workforce from incarceration.
- Strike up caring relationships with marginalized people you encounter.
- Speak up for and vote on policies that help the disadvantaged.
For Churches
- Keep poverty alleviation and social justice high in budget priorities.
- Send short-term teams on mercy ministry trips locally and globally.
- Partner with effective parachurch poverty charities.
- Offer biblical financial counseling and job preparedness classes.
- Minister in hard-hit locations via outreach events.
- Model diversity and inclusion across race and class lines.
- Encourage foster care and adoption among members.
For Businesses and Organizations
- Use a portion of profits to fund poverty alleviation domestically and abroad.
- Pay living wages and provide robust benefits to employees.
- Invest in ethical supply chains that avoid exploitation.
- Allow employee paid time off for volunteering and service trips.
- Partner with non-profits addressing hunger, homelessness, trafficking, etc.
- Advocate for public and private policies that prevent poverty.
- Avoid greed and seek reasonable profits focused on people over maximum money.
Conclusion
Scripture consistently calls Christ’s followers to generous sharing with and assistance to the poor. This reflects God’s character of just mercy and compassion. Faithful believers should respond with both immediate aid and ongoing empowerment. We glorify God when we give freely to meet basic needs, develop caring relationships, and address systemic issues. The Bible offers much wisdom to instruct our engagement with poverty if we have ears to hear it.
In a self-centered culture where prosperty is idolized, God’s priority for the poor stands in stark contrast. Will we conform to the world or be transformed in caring for “the least of these” as Jesus taught and modeled? There are no easy answers to all of poverty’s causes, but making personal sacrifices to help and empower the disadvantaged pleases God and reflects His coming kingdom. Both individually and corporately, may the church rise to this challenge with urgency in the days ahead.