Psalm 41:1-2 has a promise for those who will "consider" the poor.
1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble. 2 The Lord will protect him and keep him alive; he shall be called blessed in the land; and You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.
The word "consider" here is the Hebrew word "sakal", which means: to be circumspect (watchful, discreet, cautious, prudent) and hence, intelligent; to wisely understand, to have insight, to act wisely. Notice that this does NOT say: give money to the poor! That does NOT mean that you don't, it simply means that there will be no reward for just throwing money into the hands of the poor! WE have a responsibility to act wisely on their behalf. Only the God of the Bible knows with certainty what will actually help them in the long run! In the Old Testament, alms were given to those who were disabled and could not work. MOST of the poor, though, were expected to work! People were instructed to leave some grain on the corners of their fields so that the poor could come and "glean", which means WORK (Leviticus 19:9 and 23:22)! The poor were allowed to go into these fields and gather grain for their families so that they would have food to eat. This method, or appropriate ones for today, are STILL to be used! Look at 2 Thessalonians 3:10:
For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule and charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.
It is even more important in today's world to be "circumspect" about the poor! I have heard instances where people were begging for money for food, but when given actual food, they threw it away! Another, more insidious situation is also taking place in many cities. Some people belong to groups who will go into a city and sit, masquerading as homeless or poor, begging for money. This "business" has proven to be very lucrative in some areas. The areas it doesn't work in are areas where the people are acting wisely and discerning the nature of this game! So be wise. Listen to Holy Spirit with in you. Give as you are led and ALWAYS give the Gospel right along with the natural aid. If they are sincere, they will listen and receive the help they need to make a very REAL change to their lives, their circumstances AND, most importantly, their eternity! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Scandal of Grace":
Shalom in Him!
