Remember the Poor

It’s so interesting how God teaches us lessons. For instance, if God wants to teach you to be patient, you’re going to find yourself in every kind of situation that will test your patience. And from my experience it has been no different with other virtues.

In chapter nine of his second letter to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul lets us know that God loves a cheerful giver, and it was only after I’d got that ingrained into my psyche that I was taught that God also loves a gracious receiver. Subsequently I was placed in various positions to test how well I’d receive from others. You see, I’ve come to understand that if you can’t graciously receive from your fellowman, it will be hard for you to receive from God. Very often God will use a person to give you what He has laid up in store for you, and if you do not know how to properly receive, that is, without the self-consciousness, shame, embarrassment or feelings of being a charity case, then what’s for you may prove slow in coming.

Recently, and I mean recently, since I am in the midst of it right now, I am being put to the test in regard to graciously receiving from others – family, friends, and strangers alike. But that’s not all, together with the receiving I’m being taught the art of asking for help as well, not just any help but financial help and not just one or two people but a multitude, and not privately and quietly but publicly and loudly…social media publicly-loudly. When God wants a girl to learn a lesson, He sure has His way of taking her beyond her comfort zone. 

Before God parted the Red Sea, the Israelites had to wade into that water to their nostrils. Sometimes that is the only way to be taught. By walking into the deep water we’re forced to overcome our natural fear and flee inclinations. I haven’t had either the luxury of walking into the deep water or the time to feel the shame associated with having to ask, instead pressing circumstances have caused me to dive right in. So asked I did, and God showed me the hearts of people. The outpouring of genuine concern for another’s well-being and willingness to give love, support, encouragement, time, talent, and money has been incredible.

Paul, in Galatians 2:10, was asked to remember the poor, and he didn’t baulk at the request since it was something that he was eager to do. Going through this period of learning, I have seen, and continue to see every day, persons eager to remember the poor. To keep the poor in mind is an act of Christian charity – an example of God’s love. God knows what a person needs most, so pray and allow God to lead you.

You don’t always require money to help and God can show you other ways to provide for the poor and needy. He can show you who are the right people to bring together to ensure that persons’ needs are met. Just because you don’t have the financial means does not mean you can’t still offer a helping hand. However, if you can assist others financially then do not be tight-fisted. Like Paul, every one of us must be eager to serve God and each other in this way.

As it is written,

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” 

(2 Corinthians 9:11-12 ESV)

Amen†

Remember the Poor

Shelley Johnson June 22, 2017