Generosity to the Poor

Posted on July 24, 2024, 8:22 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore, I command you saying, you shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy in your land” (Deut.15:11) It is no gain saying that the economic and social situation across the world including our country Nigeria and in our surroundings at this time is uncomfortable and almost unbearable. It has gotten to the level that children of God now openly beg for help in the assembly of God’s people. While some of us respond positively by helping, some wonders why a child of God should beg openly. But Jesus has foretold us that we shall have the poor with us always, and that whenever we wish, we may do them good (Mark.14:7). There is no doubt that God in His infinite mercy has given more grace to some people, that they are not only able to bear the situation, but also able to help others. God having the knowledge of the privileged people is now commanding such individuals to open their hands wide open to the poor. The individuals know themselves and God knows them too. The scripture makes it clear that generosity to the poor is part of Christian work of faith -(James.2:14-17) as God commanded it in (Deut.15:11). The bible shows us in (Deut.15:7-10) not only how to express our generosity to the poor, but also the way to give generously that the Lord our God will bless us in all our works and in all to which we put our hand. It teaches that we should give willingly from our heart, not by persuasion. He also commanded that what we give should be reasonable enough to show that we are giving with heart of love and not grieving heart. Apostle Paul says, “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labour, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph.4:28). Apostle Paul was teaching that the first motive for a believer to earn money is that he may have something to give to the needy. He is not only to make living for himself, but to make himself instrument of God’s service to people through his work and giving. While it is right that we worship and offer God our praises, every act of kindness toward another is a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When we share our resources with others, we are giving back to God out of all He has giving to us. This is the time for us as Christians not to withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of our hand to do so. (prov.3:27) Evangelism: Generosity is one of the powerful instruments to spread the gospel and is well pleasing to God. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre