Considering The Poor
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles, uncategorized
As Christians, we know about the blessings Jesus spoke of in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-10). However, there is a “blessing” from the Old Testament that is less well-known: “Blessed is he who considers the poor” (Psalm 41:1).
The Hebrew word translated “considers” means “to take thought for others.” The word translated “poor” means “those in need.”
There are many people around us who are poor — in love, in hope, and in the knowledge of God. Even though we cannot solve all their problems, we can show them that we care.
We may not have lots of money, but we can give of ourselves (2 Corinthians 8:5). We can let needy people know that we’re thinking of them. We can listen to them regarding their needs. We can treat them with courtesy and respect. We can pray for them. We can write letters of encouragement. We can tell them about the saving gospel of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). If we can do nothing else, we can love them (John 13:34; 1 John 4:21).
Think about those who live only for themselves, always trying to get ahead, looking for the next thing to make them happy. Compare them with people who give themselves to others. Which ones possess inner calm, strength, and joy?
Brethren, if we want to be truly blessed by God, let us “consider the poor.”