The Poor and Needy

“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.” (Mark 14:7 NIV)

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'” (Matthew 25:40 NIV)

I was always puzzled why we have poor people especially in third world countries, and even in rich and developed countries like the USA, EU, Japan, or even in oil rich countries like KSA. As I connect some of the verses I have read, it made more sense why we need poor and needy people. Of course, many poor people are poor because of their own doing or just simply being lazy. But there are poor people who are victims of injustices or results of unfortunate circumstances like calamities and similar situations.

Even then, Jesus Himself had told us to have poor people with us. For whatever reason, I believe they are instruments for the testing of our faith, compassion, love, and care for other people – even as Jesus had compassion on all people. Jesus wants us to practice and experience what He is like, for this brings us also humility of heart and greater love for other people. People who have no capacity to pay us back or to love us back – for by then, it is a way that we can have inheritance and rewards in heaven (Matt 25:34).

For the hungry, we give food and the Bread of Life. For the thirsty, we give drink and the Water of Life. For the stranger, we provide shelter and bring them to the House of the Lord. For the clothe less, we provide clothing. For the sick and prisoners, we have to visit them and comfort them with the Word of God. We are so much blessed by God that we need to bless other people, and to become channels of blessings. Who knows, angels are sent as poor in our doorsteps to test our love and compassion – be willing to help and accommodate. And don’t worry, surely God will give you a hint in your heart whether the poor is real or not.

As we see so many calamities and needy people in many places, may we learn to practice generosity and compassion, as the Lord continue to shower us blessings and the capacity to give. Bless and be blessed.