Addressing Concerns About Caring for the Poor
It does not take a Bible scholar to figure out that the Bible commands God’s people to care for the poor. It is found everywhere, from the Law and the Prophets to the Gospels and Epistles. Very strong (frightening?) language is used to warn people what will happen to those who ignore the needs of the poor.
Despite this, I still encounter Christians who hesitate to take action or who have concerns that such ministry may be unwise. I would like to take some time to address some of the concerns I have heard.
Christianity and Capitalism
I have had discussions with some Christians who have claimed that capitalism is one of the central values of Christianity and giving money and/or food to poor people who did not work for it seems too much like socialism and therefore is un-Christian.
My immediate thought is that capitalism is not a central value of Christianity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no socialist or communist. I work hard for my money and I’m thankful for my job which provides for my family. But in no way is capitalism the main thrust of the biblical message.
My next response is simply that the Bible commands us to care for the poor. It doesn’t say care for the poor only in such a way as it feels comfortable with our commitment to capitalism. Our starting point should be what the Bible tells us to do, aside from how much that may seem to have in common with some socialist ideas.
The Culture War
As a Canadian, I’m not as immersed in the culture war that my American friends are. Some of my American Christian friends have expressed that the conflict between conservatives and liberals is the primary conflict in their life. Even if Jesus did want us to help the poor, such activity might give the liberals an advantage and so it should be avoided.
Did I mention that the Bible tells us to care for the poor? It might be my naive Canadian personality, but culture wars do not even come close to the level of what Jesus tells me to do. I must confess that using the culture war as an excuse to not help the poor leaves me baffled.
Charity Enables the Poor
For others, the problem with helping the poor is that it enables them to live in their poverty. As long as Christians are providing free meals, operating food banks and giving away free clothes and other resources, the poor will have no motivation to change their life. Perhaps all assistance should be cut off so they are forced to get a good job and escape poverty.
I think I might have said that the Bible tells us to care for the poor. There are no excuses. Do some poor people take advantage of the government and/or Christian charities? Of course they do. As a pastor I have given money to people who have come to the church and have known that they did not use it for what they said.
My question is: What is our responsibility as Christians? Are we responsible to make sure that everyone we give to uses it properly and responsibly? This is the way I see things:
- We will have to answer to God concerning the things we have been given.
- Others will have to answer to God concerning the things that were given to them.
- We will not have to answer to God concerning the way others used what we gave them.
I’m not suggesting we be intentionally foolish with our giving. There are times that we can give grocery cards or purchase meals for people. What I’m saying is that the ultimate decision about giving should not be based on what people do with it.
The unanimous voice of the Bible is that it is good for those who have to give to those who have not. Giving to the poor, whether or not it makes a dent in poverty, is a good thing. Every time and without fail.
So please do not over-analyze and fall into the trap of ignoring the poor. Take giving seriously, both as individuals and as a church.
