According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2022, the number of homeless people in one night in the United States was 582,462. Also, in 2022, 49 million people accessed food banks and community programs for food according to USDA reporting. So, clearly, there’s been no shortage of people in need in America.
An interesting observation of how Jesus sees our provision to those who are poor is illustrated in Matthew 25:35, when he stated, “…For I was hungry, and you gave Me food, I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger, and you took Me in…” and in Matthew 25:40, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Here he has shown himself as the recipient of any blessings we provide the needy which elevates the importance of our action.
The Old Testament of the Bible mentions God’s thoughts on what our attitude should be toward helping the poor when He stated in Deuteronomy 15:7, “If there be among you a poor man, one of your brothers within any of your gates in your land which the Lord your God has given you, you must not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.” He also mentions in Deuteronomy 15:11 how one should give, “For the poor will never cease from being in the land. Therefore, I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and needy in your land.” This indicates a different view from giving of the occasional dollar or two when encountering someone in need.
We are also shown God’s chastisement of those who would take advantage of, or ignore, the poor in Proverbs 22:16, “He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to want,” and “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27)
On the other hand, we may expect that there are some rewards for giving to the poor. We are told in Proverbs 19:17, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay what he has given.” “Blessed are those who consider the poor; the Lord will deliver them in the day of trouble. (Psalm 41:1) “He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”(Proverbs 22:9)
If one is not sure how and where one provides donations, there are many local churches who provide pantries and foodbanks as service to the poor, as well as donations and sponsorship of food distribution along with other organizations. A quick Google search or conversation with a familiar donor might be of assistance.
For those who may be skeptical of giving monetarily to organizations who help the poor, one may donate one’s time or food in participating in the feeding of the poor or choose organizations where their donations are publicly accounted for and shown on charity accountability websites like CharityWatch, Charity Navigators, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Ms. Rita's Minute 