Compassion for the Poor

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD;

and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Prov 19v17

Compassion is not a feeling or an emotional outburst that you feel every now and then to go and help people. Compassion is a lifestyle. An outflowing of the fruit of the spirit as you begin to grow in the Lord. When you yourself have gone through something eg. Gone through poverty yourself and know how difficult being in that situation is, you tend to be more compassionate towards people who are experiencing poverty. Compassion for the poor will cause you to be more giving and able to notice those in need. You will find ways to give and also involve other people to assist so the outreach to the poor becomes an ongoing part of the church. You will be willing to give to the poor and also reach out to those in need.

Jesus had compassion for the poor, he said the poor you will always have. Meaning he noticed them but he had a mandate to fulfill. He never just fed them bread he also fed them the word. The word had the power to transform them from their status of being poor to a desire to want “out of the poverty”.

Compassion urges us to action. We need compassion for the poor to alleviate the hardship they are facing, however it is also necessary for us not only to give out fish to people in need but teach them how to fish. This would mean, try and find jobs for the poor, try getting them trained so they develop a new skill or a skill that can help them out of their poverty. In your compassion, see beyond the need to a way out for them to live a higher life.