Why do we give to the poor?

“Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:44-46‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Oftentimes we believe that people get what they deserve, this may come from perspectives of karma, equality, or even the sense of a hard-working mentality. We tend to think of those who are homeless or poor as those who didn’t work enough, or maybe they are the ones that have wasted their lives because they are lazy. However, the reality is that unfortunate events happen every day, that can happen to any of us. For those who live in the western world, we often forget how easy our lives can be compared to other countries or even our inner cities. So when we see those who do not have life as easy or luxurious as ours we tend to judge them and put them in a box so we can feel okay and not give them a chance.

But this is not God's way, this is the way of the world and of the selfishness of man to keep us from the responsibility of caring for our neighbor. Reality is that our wealth that we have, may be gone tomorrow, and if in a similar scenario, we would desire someone to give us a lending hand. If we would desire help if our lives switched, why is it that we are unable to do the same to the person we see on the street? I believe the word challenges us as believers to lay our selfishness down as we read in the text to love those in need. We must recognize that these individuals that are on the streets or living in poverty in our communities are our responsibility as the Church.

Now allow me to clarify what this means, as some have taken this as a license to force people into what they believe is the only way to work or have a standard of living. I am not talking about returning to a social gospel or to a prosperity gospel mindset. Remember, we are no better than any homeless or impoverished person in any way shape or form in God’s eyes. (Proverbs 22:2). In reality we must see every man, woman, or child that is on the street right now as equals and not someone in which you have pity on. We must be motivated by the love of Christ for them and seek to love them, even if they do not thank us or become believers. They are our responsibility, not anyone else’s.

Now I’m not saying to give all of your possessions and give to the poor and live as a poor person, this isn’t a call given to everyone, although it is for some. Neither am I saying to just give the poor things and expect a different result to happen, bring Jesus the hope of glory that is inside you, into their situation. But we must look at our brothers and sisters on the streets and those who are lacking in a different manner than we have in the past, we must see them as God sees them. We are to steward and help our brothers and sisters in any practical means that we can.

It does not matter the “what if's” they may use our money on, but rather are we caring toward another human created in God’s image. If giving money concerns you, give them food, water, or maybe even a job. I challenge you to give more than money and in doing so break the cycles that are keeping our brothers and sisters on the streets. If you are a counselor, take time to counsel them on their problems, if you have medical experience, recommend some free clinics or health tips, but do something! Your Starbucks craving can wait and even if there is a risk this person might use this for evil intent, isn’t it worth the “what if”?

This is what we strive to do here with Lighthouse ministries. We make it a point to reach out to those who are homeless and impoverished in the streets and give them care packs and snacks, water, and resources so that they can get the help they need from churches and secular organizations. Now we are not perfect either, there are times we miss someone or do not have anything for them. Do not condemn yourself for these things, rather let it be a lesson for your growth and be prepared in the future. The disciples had to learn that lesson and prepare for it, as seen in Acts 6. Your Starbucks craving can wait and even if there is a risk this person might use this for evil intent, isn’t it worth the risk of them getting up getting a meal or a drink of water more important than the “what if” ? I challenge you the same way our Lord did and with a question that the famous Kendrick Lamar asked, “what does a dollar cost?”

Takeaways:

1. Change your view on the poor and homeless, they are children of God just like you who need love, mercy, and grace. They are our responsibility.

2. Give towards the poor not just with money, but with time, clothing, food, and medical care.

3. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t. Learn your lesson and be prepared for next time, there will always be those in need.

Adrian Espinosa is the leader and founder of Lighthouse Ministries, and has worked within a variety of ministry positions for 10 years. He has led evangelism teams, served in homeless ministries, and led anti human/drug trafficking outreaches to at-risk youth in Dallas. He has a bachelor in Secondary Social Studies Education, and has been theologically trained at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Originally from California, he now resides in McKinney, Texas.