Poverty hits us in the face from many angles. The media bombards us with pictures of the world’s poor; we can also see it in our day-to-day lives. Pleas for help are constant. Our hearts go out to them. Poverty is a forest of sorrow. We see this forest and get discouraged. However, caring for individual trees one at a time is possible. The poverty solution is an individual matter.

Jesus said that the poor would always be with us (Matthew 26:11). Their presence tests our individual Christianity. James explained what true Christianity is when he said, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Does this sound personal? Yes!

What can each of us do to fight poverty?

God will put before you opportunities to help. Do not let them pass by. Watch, be aware of your neighborhood, and be available. Keep in mind the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). God put before him someone in need of medical help and care, and the Samaritan provided that need according to his means. You also can provide for another’s physical needs when you see his or her poverty. Make yourself aware of the background of the situation so you can help compassionately in ways that preserve dignity.
Charity begins at home. It is from the home that it is produced. During the Great Depression when there was much homelessness, sharing bread with the hungry was accompanied by loving hospitality. Often food was given to the poor in exchange for some chores, thus promoting self-worth. We can now do the same. We can ask someone to share a friendly meal, or we can help stock food pantries.

It was common then to bring the poor into homes by doubling up families. In this economy there are still needs for sharing homes with relatives, temporarily or even permanently. With the proper attitude, this can be a win-win situation. It is a tangible presence that is supportive.

Do we cover the naked? Giving clothing to organizations like Good Will are ways to help clothe the naked. Jesus said that whatever you do for the least, you do for Him (Matthew 25:40).

The greatest tool to fight poverty is love

Charity means love. There is always time for love. Love is free and should be freely given. Love can be shown in many ways. We can share our talents, our experience and, above all, our example. Joel Schwartz, editor of Philanthropy, in his book Fighting Poverty With Virtue: Moral Reform and America’s Urban Poor, 1825-2000, explains this well: “The promotion of virtue is not exclusively (perhaps not even primarily) a matter for public policy and charity. To some extent, it may be easier to encourage virtues like diligence and thrift (and sobriety and familial responsibility) by means of personal example than by government edict. If we want to encourage the poor to practice these virtues (as we should and must), it would be no small thing for us to act as if we believed in them by practicing them ourselves.”

Here are some basic ideas of what you can do to fight poverty (there are many ways to expand on these ideas): Teach virtues at all times to your children (Deuteronomy 11:19); promote the virtue of responsibility for one’s actions; show wise use of money. If you have means, give wisely, personally and from the heart. It is the responsibility of the giver to see that the money goes where it is supposed to go. One should not give for profit. That is, not for a tax break or for interest. There is nothing wrong in receiving a tax benefit for charitable contributions, but that benefit should not be our primary motive while we are giving aid. We are told in Exodus 22:25, “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest.” Following this admonition would help prevent some bankruptcies, one cause of poverty.

We can only give what we have at hand. Peter told the beggar at the temple in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And the beggar did. We cannot give such a great gift, but we can always pray for the needy, and spread the gospel of hope. Hope is the first step in helping the poor to rise above their state in life.

A time when poverty will cease

When Jesus Christ returns to earth, peoples’ minds will be changed, and we will have all the right answers to combat poverty.

In the meantime, wisely share your blessings:

   1. Know your neighbor and be a true friend.
   2. Think of your abilities and share them wholeheartedly.
   3. Provide relief for the stressed.
   4. Visit nursing home residents, the ill and handicapped persons.
   5. Take an active part in some of the organizations that you feel are making true progress.
   6. Be hospitable to strangers. (Of course, size up every situation wisely. Don’t make yourself vulnerable and unprotected to a potentially dangerous person. If a stranger needs temporary housing, you can refer him to a local shelter.)
   7. Spread the gospel to bring hope and encouragement to persevere.
   8. Be a good example to counter the bad examples of today’s celebrities.

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

For additional ideas on managing money and reaching out to those in need, please request our free booklets Managing Your Finances and Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.