The county in which I live has two Facebook pages where thousands of members post complaints, questions, and stories (but mostly complaints) every day. A complaint posted over and over involves the homeless people who beg on the street corners with their cardboard signs.

When it comes to helping the poor, many people — such as the ones in my county — have a string of questions. Why are they poor? Are they just lazy? If we give them money, will they spend it on drugs?

Proverbs 14:31, however, is explicit. We should be kind to the needy — period. If we feel led to help someone, we should help. What they do with the money is no longer our problem.

A few months ago, I felt a strong prompting to stop and give a homeless man a fast food gift card, so I did. What touched him most was the fact that I shook his hand and asked his name. God allowed me to see this man as someone he made and cares about.

As Christians, we should seek after God's heart, and it is clear where his heart is. God's heart for the poor is evident throughout Scripture. We're told in James 1:27 that true and pure religion includes caring for the poor, the orphans, and the widows. Here, Proverbs reminds us that the needy are his children, just as we are.

Lord, please give me a heart like yours that sees and loves everyone. I want to honor you; help me be kind to the needy. Amen.

Go Deeper — Keep your eyes open in your community, and when God prompts you to meet a need, meet it.



Tags: We Love Our Writers Proverbs 14
Photo Credit: Ben White