" POOR / NEEDY "

For the next two weeks we will be looking into what our Lord and God feels about the " Poor and Needy." Throughout the Old Testament God told his people to treat the Poor with justice. The powerless and poverty stricken are often looked upon as incompetent or lazy when, in fact, they may be victims of oppression and circumstance. God says we must do all we can to help these needy ones. His justice did not permit the Israelites his Chosen People to insist on profits or quick payment from those who were less fortunate. Instead his laws gave the poor every opportunity to better their situation, while providing humane options for those who couldn't. None of us is completely isolated from the poor. God wants us to treat them fairly and do our part to see that their needs are met. The Hebrew law code is noted for its fairness and social responsibility toward the poor. God insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes. We should reflect God's concern for the poor by helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Right now you maybe feeling that I'm being a little redundant but this is vital that our mindset changes. We need to develop a proper attitude toward the poor. Now the need for believers to care for the poor is a constant theme in scripture. But often we do nothing, caught up in meeting our own needs and desires. Perhaps we don't see enough poverty to remember the needs of the poor. The world is filled with poor people, here and in other countries. What can you do to help? LAST POINT: Now the Bible supports and organized system of caring for the poor. God told his people to use their tithe every third year for those who were helpless, or poor. These regulations were designed to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression. Families were to help other family members, and towns were to help members of their community. National laws protected the rights of the poor, but helping the poor was also an active part of religious life. God counts on believers to provide for the needy. This will help you show your regard for God as creator of all people, share God's goodness with others, and draw them to him. It is a practical and essential way to make faith work in everyday life. Until Next Time... Jim,