Two Kinds of Poverty
The Bible speaks to us about two main kinds of poverty: a lack of everyday necessities like food and clothing, and a spiritual hunger for God himself. Both are important, and we are called to help people in both situations as much as we possibly can, even when we might be struggling ourselves. It’s a sad truth that millions of children worldwide die from hunger each year, and many more live without the basic things they need to survive. However, the Bible clearly tells us that God has not forgotten those who are poor. Instead, He calls His followers to step up and make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling. We are meant to show His care and concern, and He will hold us responsible for how we respond to the needs of others.
God's Concern and Our Responsibility
You might wonder, “Does God truly care about the poor?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” God cares deeply, and He often works through believers to bring comfort and help. For instance, Leviticus 25:39 speaks about helping those who fall into poverty, while Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever gives to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 22:9 adds, “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” And Isaiah 58:10 encourages us to “spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed.” Our responsibility is to care for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, the homeless, and those who have been hurt. The Bible warns against ignoring those in need, as seen in James 2:1-9, which speaks against showing favoritism to the rich over the poor. Leviticus 19:9-10 also instructs us to leave some of our harvest for the poor and foreigners, and in Luke 16:22-23, the story of the rich man and Lazarus powerfully illustrates the consequences of neglecting the poor.
Christ's Humility and Our Spiritual Riches
Perhaps you’ve heard the idea that Christ became poor so that we might become spiritually rich. This is a profound truth. Imagine a king leaving his luxurious palace to live among the poor, enduring hardship, suffering, pain, and humiliation. That’s essentially what Jesus did. 2 Corinthians 8:9 states, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” And Philippians 2:5-11 describes Jesus’ humility, showing how He emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant. He walked among us to show us the path to God’s Kingdom.
.
Handling Personal Poverty and God's Promises
So, if you find yourself in a situation of poverty, how should you respond? The Bible encourages us to seek God’s peace no matter our circumstances. Whether you have plenty or very little, whether you face lack or enjoy luxury, neither should get in the way of your relationship with God through Christ. Philippians 4:10-14 speaks of learning to be content in every situation, whether abounding or in need. And 1 Timothy 6:6-10 reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” cautioning against the love of money. Finally, God makes wonderful promises to us. When we reach out and help the poor, even when we ourselves are in need, God promises to take care of us. This is a promise directly from God, and He never breaks His word. Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor!” Proverbs 28:27 tells us, “Whoever gives to the poor will not want,” and Psalm 72:12 promises that God “delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.” These scriptures reveal God’s deep love and commitment to both the physically and spiritually poor, and His call for us to reflect His heart to the world.