A Godly Response to the Poor

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land

the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

            Outlined in these verses is the appropriate, godly response to the poor.  As we read the Old Testament law, it become quite evident that the suitable reaction to the poor is an emphasis on a ‘handup’ out of poverty rather than a ‘handout’.  When a ‘handout’ approach is taken, the poor often are left powerless and dependent upon the giver of the handout.  The dominant of society maintain their place of prominence, while the poor also maintain their place of inferiority and lack of resources and dignity.  When a ‘handup’ is given, the one receiving is given opportunity and access to resources.  A ‘handup’ is empowerment to aid in the solving of one’s own problems and needs.

            Consider the law of the gleanings as found in Leviticus 19:9-10:  ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen.  Leave them for the poor and the alien.  I am the Lord your God.’

            Among the Sabbath laws we find the command to leave the land fallow on the seventh year.  ‘. . .during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused.  Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave.  Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove (Exodus 23:11).’

            A godly response to the poor includes being openhanded.

            A godly response to the poor includes lending freely.

            A godly response to the poor includes harboring no wicked thoughts towards the poor.

            A godly response to the poor includes giving generously.

Remember there will always be poor people in the land.

What experiences have you been involved in which you have given a ‘handout’?  What experiences have you been involved in which you have given a ‘handup’?  What was the significant difference in these two approaches?

Rescue the weak and needy;

Deliver them from the hand of the

wicked.

Psalm 82:4