Giving To The Poor

Digging4Truth · #1 12-07-2010, 02:56 PM

I do readily remember instances in the word of God where the church was instructed and performed in practice giving to the needy within the body of Christ.

I'm not saying there is nothing in the NT about giving to people outside the body of Christ but I just can't recall any such references.

Can anyone recall a few?

Hoovie · #2 12-07-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I do readily remember instances in the word of God where the church was instructed and performed in practice giving to the needy within the body of Christ.

I'm not saying there is nothing in the NT about giving to people outside the body of Christ but I just can't recall any such references.

Can anyone recall a few?

I think we need to give where the need is... sometimes showing compassion through our giving could draw unbelievers to Christ, yes?

Digging4Truth · #3 12-07-2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I think we need to give where the need is... sometimes showing compassion through our giving could draw unbelievers to Christ, yes?

Could very well be.

I was just wondering what we might find in the word on the subject.

shag · #4 12-07-2010, 10:22 PM

I dont recall anything off hand in the NT either, DFT. However, I have always liked this OT scripture. Matt Maddix quotes it often, rallying folks for homeless outreaches etc...

Prov. 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

or....I think maybe its actually this one He always quotes:

Prov. 28:27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

Digging4Truth · #5 12-07-2010, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

I dont recall anything off hand in the NT either, DFT. However, I have always liked this OT scripture. Matt Maddix quotes it often, rallying folks for homeless outreaches etc...

Prov. 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

or....I think maybe its actually this one He always quotes:

Prov. 28:27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

Indeed... also part of the tithe was for strangers which would seem to fall into that category as well.

The thought I am working with is this... if we give to secular organizations to help the poor, needy etc then we enable another organization to directly affect and minister to lives rather than we ourselves doing that ministry ourselves.

It's not a biggie or anything... Just a thought I was having.

Socialite · #6 12-07-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Indeed... also part of the tithe was for strangers which would seem to fall into that category as well.

The thought I am working with is this... if we give to secular organizations to help the poor, needy etc then we enable another organization to directly affect and minister to lives rather than we ourselves doing that ministry ourselves.

It's not a biggie or anything... Just a thought I was having.

Our giving should have no other motives but to satisfy a need from a heart of compassion. We are definitely ministering. And if we want to find ways to minister more intimately, and more directly, I think that's even better!!

We are part of God's mission of restoring brokenness, human dignity, his hands and arms loving on people and letting them know that people care. It's grace. Plain and simple. Grace. And it's grace that doesn't expect anything in return -- but usually these glimpses of grace, lead people to seek and understand God's Grace, which will forever change their life.

*AQuietPlace* · #7 12-08-2010, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

The thought I am working with is this... if we give to secular organizations to help the poor, needy etc then we enable another organization to directly affect and minister to lives rather than we ourselves doing that ministry ourselves.

The benefit that I see from giving to an organization is that often they can reach people that I could never reach. Sometimes the combined funds can make a bigger difference than my lone $50 would.

Sam · #8 12-07-2010, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

...
Prov. 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
...

I have a note in my Bible at Proverbs 19:17 which says:

"If you help a poor person in the name of the Lord, you are making a gift and at the same time granting a loan. You are making a gift because you have no expectation of being reimbursed by that poor person. You are granting a loan because the Lord will settle the account." St. Basil the Great (329-379)

Socialite · #9 12-07-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

I have a note in my Bible at Proverbs 19:17 which says:

"If you help a poor person in the name of the Lord, you are making a gift and at the same time granting a loan. You are making a gift because you have no expectation of being reimbursed by that poor person. You are granting a loan because the Lord will settle the account." St. Basil the Great (329-379)

*AQuietPlace* · #10 12-08-2010, 05:51 AM

I've been thinking about this overnight. The story of The Good Samaritan comes to mind. He reached outside of his inner circle to help a stranger.

I think God expects us to definitely take care of the needs of our brothers and sisters, I think that's something we're required to do. And then from our excess we reach out to others. The Bible says that we should be blessed so that we have to give to the poor.