Regardless of where we live, we cannot escape the reality that millions of people around the world are living in poverty.
As Christians, we know that those who struggle to feed and clothe themselves and their families and provide them with the basic essentials are precisely the kind of people we should be looking out for and after.
Figuring out exactly how we can help them is often straightforward – donating food items to a shelter, giving money to a refuge, campaigning for legislation to assist those in need.
But Jesus has shown us we can be even more present and personal in how we lend a hand.
After all, faceless giving is easy. It doesn't force us to confront the issues that have led to the people we're helping to be in the position they are in. It doesn't require us to care about the solutions. And it doesn't shine a light on the glaring similarities between us and them.
Essentially, giving enables us to further detach ourselves from the complexities of compassion, even as we proclaim to be extending it to others.
Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to interact with and treat those living in poverty. Here are just three of the things we can learn from Him in this context.
Don't compartmentalise your compassion
Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14)
We Christians can be guilty sometimes of compartmentalising our compassion when we confess and demonstrate our love for the poor but only in certain situations. What Jesus instructs here is the complete removal of barriers. He calls us to reach out in all ways and share our comforts outside of what may be the socially acceptable norm.
Care for the needs of others as you would do for Jesus'
"'When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:38-40)
If we struggle to connect with the poor, then we will struggle to make an honest and true connection with Jesus. And it won't just prevent us from drawing close to Him while we're here as Matthew 25:41 reveals.
Building a better relationship with Christ will help us overcome any disconnection we have with the poor. When we have a more accurate picture of who Christ is, we'll have a better understanding of who He wants us to help and how. He had time for the needy regardless of what was socially expected of Him. If we thirst to be more like Him, then we should be eager to adopt His attitude on this.
Give without limits
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," He said, "go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Mark 10:21)
When it comes to giving, many of us hold back. Sometimes we're afraid of the impact it will have on us.
But we need not worry because God will take care of us. Jesus calls us to be unrelenting in our giving to the poor, and we should respond positively to His call. No one ever is ever made poor by giving. Instead, the givers are rewarded with more blessings by the Lord.
