Respect the dignity of the poor

Posted on June 11, 2025, 8:40 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

The poor is described as someone who lacks sufficient resources to live at a standard considered comfortable or normal of a society. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary described the poor as someone worthy of pity or sympathy. While poverty in some instance could be as a result of foolish decision (Prov.10:4) and in another instance it could be of no fault of the person, (John.9:3) whatever the reason, someone’s poverty should not determine the value we place on him or her because God created us with equal dignity and worth of value. The Bible says, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them” (Gen.1:27) This simply tells us that being in the image of God means with dignity and worth in value. Poor servants are the most vulnerable that are oppressed on daily basis in this present world. Poor servant is intentionally owed his wages. Payment of agreed remuneration is delayed for no reason or on a very flimsy reason. He suffers added responsibilities with no added remunerations. The inhuman treatment against the poor servants is endless. Treatments that do not recognize value of life or right to life, which the Bible say is sin, because it reproaches the Creator of the poor servant. (Prov.14:31) God warned against such evil practice. He says, “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates.” (Deu.24:14) He went further to say that the hired poor servant should be paid his wages before the sun goes down. This is because the poor servant has set his heart on the payment. The word of God says if such hired poor servant cry out to the Lord, it will be counted as sin. (Deu.24:15) This God warning is to make it easy for the poor in the society and for the oppressors to realize that the poor are also His creation. There is no doubt, there are some ungodly poor servants also who is never appreciative of any good gesture but attitude of wickedness to their masters. Such ungodly poor servants are being encouraged to be obedient to their masters in sincerity of heart as to Christ. The Bible says, “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.” (Eph.6:5) However, we should be mindful of the word of God that says, the cries of those that are being oppressed and denied of their wages have reached the Lord of Host. (James.5:4) The Lord of Host is the commander of the armies of heaven who fight for the oppressed. Brethren, always remember that the poor is also in the image of God with same dignity and worth in value and should be treated as such. Do not allow riches or position to corrupt you. Use your wealth and position to honor God and not to oppress the poor. “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” (Prov.19:17) Evangelism The day of judgement might be too late, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre