PROVERBS 19: HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED

God seems to have a special place in His heart for the poor, those in need, widows, and orphans. He tells us to stand up for their rights and to give to them and help them. Joyce Meyer Ministries has an outreach called Hand of Hope. Through it, we are able to help many people who are hurting and need help, not only spiritually but also in practical ways.

I believe that preaching the Gospel and helping people in need go hand in hand. Sometimes people are hurting so much that they cannot hear a message about God, but if you show them that God loves them by helping them unconditionally, then they want to hear what you have to say. People who are starving may struggle to believe that God loves them, but if you feed them, their hearts are more open to hearing the Gospel.

I believe that everyone who calls himself or herself a Christian should help the poor. If you don’t know anyone who is struggling financially, then find the shelters in your city that help the homeless, the hungry, and those in need. Donate money or volunteer your time to help them.

First John 3:17-18 (NIV) says, If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Love is a living thing. It must be active rather than stagnant. Just as a pool of water that has no movement will become stagnant, love will do the same without fresh inflow and outflow. God pours His love into us, and He wants us to let it flow through us to others. Love can be shown in many ways. Helping the poor and treating them with respect is one important way to demonstrate it.