Compassion for the poor and needy
Good morning brethren, I would like to share a brief exhortation with us on the topic: “Compassion for the poor and needy” Our anchor Scripture is Proverbs 19:17 says “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Biblical compassion is more than the feeling of sorry for someone but rather it is seeing a need, allowing God to touch your hearts, and being willing to respond. Scripture reveals that God has a special concern for the poor, the needy, the widow, the orphan, the stranger and the vulnerable. As believers, we are called not only to pray for those in need but also to become part of God’s answer. Simply put a believer prayer life should produce compassion, and compassion should produce action. Psalm 82:3–4 says “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy…” It is important to understand that God special interest in the cry of the needy. Psalm 34:6 says “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” Showing compassion is God’s character, hence when we show compassion we will be reflecting the character of our Heavenly Father. Psalm 146:7–9 shows that God executes judgment for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry and watches over the vulnerable. For example Jesus was moved with compassion in Matthew 9:36 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad…” on that basis He responded to their needs.
The feeding of five thousand was an example, in Matthew 14:14, Jesus saw a great multitude and: “… was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Jesus also saw the people were hungry, He fed them. This is a proof that Jesus sees the person before the problem. The scripture in James 2:15–16 says “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace… notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” James gives believers a practical challenge: that words alone are not always enough. Therefore endeavour to help, if you can help and not just feel sorry for someone without actually helping them. A quick reminder of the story of the parable of the Good Samaritan is a practical example. In Luke 10:30–37, a man was attacked, beaten and left half dead. Several people saw him, but they did not stop to help until a Samaritan came by. Luke 10:33 says “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.” The Samaritan - stopped, went to him, treated his wounds, carried him, took him to an inn, paid for his care and made provision for his continued recovery. Jesus concluded that parable by saying “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37). The lesson from this story means to show compassion may sometimes requires us to stop what we are doing to help someone who is going through challenging times. I pray for you and myself that we will not become so busy with my own needs that we become blind to the needs of others around us in Jesus name. Scripture also teaches that compassion for the poor and needy is a form of worship. Matthew 25:40 says “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” This means when we help someone who is hungry, lonely, struggling or vulnerable, we are serving Christ through serving people. The early Church demonstrated compassion by taking care of its members. Acts 4:34–35 says “Neither was there any among them that lacked…” Those who had resources shared with those who were in need. It means that God’s people did not ignore genuine need when they have the ability to help. Galatians 6:2 says “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” It will be practical compassion when in the Church, people are not ashamed to ask for help, the elderly are cared for, widows are supported, struggling families are encouraged, young people in difficulty are guided and those who have more willingly support those who have less. That is believers style of compassion in action. However it goes without saying that compassion may be misunderstood, it is not enabling wrong behaviour.
The bible in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” Generosity is encouraged but it also teaches responsibility. While demonstrating this Godly tract (compassion) in giving either money, food or clothing it may in other times mean helping someone find employment, connecting them with support services, teaching a skill, providing counselling or helping them become independent. By the way it is profitable to show compassion. Proverbs 19:17 says “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD…” And Proverbs 28:27 says “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack…” A proof that God sees acts of mercy and generosity. In conclusion, compassion responds to the poor and needy - in other words it asks, “What can I do?” Jesus saw the hungry, the sick, the broken and the rejected—and He responded. May our home, church, community experience the compassion of Christ through us. And may people who encounter us be able to say “They really cares.” Our Workers meeting begins at 9:45 am and the Service starts at 10:15 am. God’s blessings – Mike