INTRODUCTION

"The poor is hated even of his own neighbour" (Proverbs 14:20The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
See All...). His wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard (Ecclesiastes 9:16Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
See All...). His friends go far from him, and his brethren do hate him (Proverbs 19:7All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
See All...). But it should not be so among believers. Instead, believers should defend the poor (Psalm 82:3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
See All...). They should open their ears to the cries of the poor (Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
See All...), and deliver them in time of trouble (Psalm 41:1Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
See All...). Believers must realize that their treatment of the poor is directly related to their relationship with the Lord (Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
See All...; Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
See All...). Even in the New Testament, Paul was admonished to "remember the poor" (Galatians 2:10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Job knew that he was to help the poor (Job 31:13-22 [13] If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; [14] What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? [15] Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb? [16] If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; [17] Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; [18] (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;) [19] If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; [20] If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; [21] If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: [22] Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
  See All...). Jesus told the rich young ruler to help the poor (Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  See All...). Helping the poor is one way of showing that we truly love the Lord (James 2:15-20 [15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? [17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. [19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
  See All...; Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
  See All...).
• What are some ways in which you can be a help to those who are poor? Why is it dangerous to help those who are poor for ungodly reasons?
• Are you required to help all who do not have the same financial benefits that you possess? What are man’s basic needs as defined by the Bible? How does this affect how you help others?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you wisdom when helping the poor.
• Ask the Lord to give you a heart for those in need.

HYMN

Footprints of Jesus

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