The Poor

Written By Patrick Burch

OPENING THOUGHT

Poverty is a problem everywhere, even in America.

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States has the highest poverty rate among the world’s 26 most developed countries. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ranks the United States second behind Mexico on a scale of what economists call “relative child poverty” when measured against 35 of the world’s richest nations.

Most Americans would be surprised to learn that the standard of living in their nation is so low. We have grown up hearing that we live in the richest country in the world. One of the explanations behind these numbers is that the U.S. sets for itself a higher poverty line than most countries, preferring to measure well-being by a standard relevant to its citizens incomes. However, if our eyes are open, we do not have to look hard to find people around us who need help.

What is the Christian’s responsibility toward the poor?

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 1:12-20

  • In verses 12-15, God criticizes Israel’s religious practices. What is he upset about, and why do you think their worship is unacceptable to him?

  • Verse 16-17 calls the people to “wash and make yourselves clean.” What specific actions does God command them to take? How do these relate to true repentance?

  • What kind of justice does the prophet call for? Is this legal justice or something else?

  • Verse 18 contains the famous phrase, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” What does this imagery tell us about God's offer of forgiveness?

  • How can religious rituals or traditions become meaningless if they are not accompanied by genuine concern for the poor and the underprivileged?

  • What does this passage teach about the connection between repentance and action? How can we apply this in our daily lives?

Proverbs 14:31; 21:13; 22:16, 22-23

  • Proverbs 14:31 says that oppressing the poor is an insult to God, while being kind to the needy honors Him. Why do you think God takes our treatment of the poor so personally?

  • Proverbs 21:13 warns about ignoring the cries of the poor. What do you think it means to “shut your ears” to the poor? How might people do this today?

  • Proverbs 22:16 speaks against exploiting the poor for personal gain. What are some ways people or systems might take advantage of the poor?

  • How can Christians actively honor God through their treatment of the poor? What are some practical ways to show kindness?

  • What are some ways individuals or churches can ensure they are not unintentionally “shutting their ears” to those in need?

Matthew 25:31-46

  • What actions will be remembered on the day of judgment according to this passage?

  • Earlier, in Proverbs 14:31, we found that God feels insulted when we oppress the poor, and he feels honored when we are generous. Here, Jesus says, “As you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” What are we to conclude from these statements about our interactions with the poor?

Acts 4:32-37

  • What does verse 34 mean when it says, “There was not a needy person among them”? What does this tell us about how the early Christians cared for one another?

  • Barnabas is highlighted as an example in verse 36-37. What do we learn from his actions, and why do you think he was specifically mentioned?

  • How does this passage challenge the way we think about our own resources and generosity?

  • What are some modern barriers that prevent Christians from living out the generosity we see in Acts 4?

  • How can we balance personal responsibility with communal care in today’s church?

  • What are some practical ways individuals and churches can follow the example of the early believers in meeting the needs of others?

  • In what ways can generosity be an expression of faith and trust in God?

Patrick Burch
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