There are approximately 2,000 verses in the Bible that deal poverty, justice, and care for the poor.
We can’t quote them all, but here’s a few:
Deuteronomy 15:11
“Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land’”
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”
Proverbs 29:7
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”
Jesus also commanded us to carer for the poor in the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “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.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
How can Christians apply God’s clear command to care for the poor?
Recognize the inherent dignity of all people regardless of their status.
Share resources generously. God loves a cheerful giver. Donate to charities, especially in your community, that provide food, clothing, and shelter to the poor. The Salvation Army is a great place to start.
Support causes that help the poor gain greater self-sufficiency.
Defend the rights of the poor. Scripture tells us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) When we see injustice, speak up, confront the powers in charge.
Volunteer — volunteer at food distributions, shelters, and clothing closets.
Pray. Always pray for the poor, the oppressed, the foreigner, the widow, the orphan — all those who are on the margins of society.
All Christians share in the ministry to the poor, and all have gifts God provides that can be used for His kingdom.