Echoes of Kindness (James 1-2)

What does God see when he looks down upon His creation? Do you think his eyes pause on the grandeur of palaces or the shimmer of wealth? Probably not. His eyes are caught by the shadowed alleyways, the forgotten doorsteps, the faces of children, women, and men who society has overlooked. Scripture reveals to us that God's heart is profoundly stirred by the plight of the poor and vulnerable.

James 1:27 (ESV) — 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James 2:5–7 (ESV) — 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

Proverbs 14:31 (ESV) — 31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

There is no doubt that God loves the poor. But what happens when His people, those called by His name, become rich and turn a blind eye to the needs around them? What does it say about our understanding of His kingdom, our alignment with His heart, when we ignore the silent cries of the needy among us?

But, wait a minute. We live in a time when everyone pretends to be poor so that they can swindle us. There are con artists on every street corner and we have had plenty come into our building looking for a handout. Should we just give our money to anyone who asks? Maybe it’s not so much that we love our money, but we don’t agree with the idea of letting some ungodly, immoral person take advantage of us. Should we give our money and let them use it for who knows what? Let’s evaluate what the Bible really says about giving and caring for the poor.

The Biblical Picture of Caring for the Poor

First, let’s look at what the scriptures reveal about God's profound concern for the poor and marginalized. It's a theme found throughout His covenant with Israel, a reflection of His character. Let's turn our attention to the Law of Moses, specifically

Leviticus 19:9–10 (ESV) — 9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.

Here, we see God's direct instruction to His people to provide for the poor, to leave a portion of their abundance so that those less fortunate are not left without sustenance. It's a divine mandate that acknowledges the dignity of every individual and underscores the shared responsibility of the community.

Transitioning to the narrative of Ruth, we find a poignant illustration of these laws in action, a tale that beautifully exemplifies our call to care at two distinct but interconnected levels.

First, let's consider Ruth herself—a Moabite widow, a foreigner in Israel, and one of the most vulnerable members of society. Her decision to stay with Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law, demonstrates extraordinary acts of loyalty and care. Despite her own needs and uncertainties, Ruth chooses to support another in distress, embodying selflessness and compassion. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people who don’t have enough money to buy decent groceries willing to give part of their paycheck to someone else in need.

But Ruth's story doesn't just end with her acts of kindness. It unfolds further grace through the character of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's deceased husband. When Ruth goes to glean in his fields, following an Old Testament provision for the poor, Boaz notices her. Not only does he ensure her protection and grant her permission to glean, but he also goes beyond the law's requirements, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect:

Ruth 2:15–16 (ESV) — 15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”

Here, Boaz exemplifies a second level of help—supporting those who help the helpless. He recognizes Ruth's dedication and her vulnerable status, and he responds with abundant generosity. He doesn’t care about what people might say or think about him. He doesn’t care about losing some of his profits. He cares about people. In doing so, Boaz becomes a conduit of God's provision and kindness.

This dual-level support—Ruth aiding Naomi and Boaz aiding Ruth—illustrates a comprehensive approach to care. It's not merely about meeting the immediate needs of the vulnerable but also about empowering and appreciating those who step in to help. We see in this so much about giving. The heart of each one is bursting with generosity and self-sacrifice.

Then, we see God blessing all who are involved. He provides Boaz with a wife, Ruth with a husband, and Naomi with a grandson. Boaz and Ruth have a baby whose grandson would be David, the king of Israel. Their family would eventually produce the Messiah. Do you see God’s statement and stamp of approval for those who are compassionate and kind toward the weak and vulnerable? That needs to be who we are.

B. Jesus' Compassion for the Poor: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

In Luke 16, Jesus shares a compelling narrative that starkly contrasts the earthly fates and eternal destinies of two men: a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. This story, while a parable, sheds light on Jesus' profound concern for the poor and the spiritual blindness that wealth can foster.

Lazarus, covered in sores, longs to eat what falls from the rich man's table. Even the dogs come and lick his sores. Meanwhile, the rich man, dressed in purple and fine linen, lives in luxury every day. Yet, his wealth does not lead to contentment or compassion; instead, it blinds him to the suffering at his gate. Upon their deaths, Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham's side, a place of comfort and rest, while the rich man finds himself in torment.

This parable, if it is a parable, does more than highlight the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife; it serves as a poignant critique of indifference to the poor and a call to mindfulness of our eternal destiny. Jesus emphasizes that our earthly actions, especially those concerning the poor and vulnerable, have spiritual and eternal significance.

The rich man, who is not given a name, symbolizes those who find their identity in their wealth and social status rather than their relationship with God and others. In contrast, Lazarus, named and known by God, represents those who, despite their earthly suffering, are valued and loved by the Father.

Through this narrative, Jesus challenges us to see beyond our immediate comforts and conveniences to the eternal realities that await us. He invites us to cultivate a heart of compassion and generosity, recognizing that our treatment of the poor reflects our understanding of God's kingdom values. The stark imagery of the rich man's isolation in Hades underscores the ultimate emptiness of a life lived without regard for others, particularly the needy and suffering.

Thus, the story of the rich man and Lazarus compels us to ask ourselves: In what ways might we be blind to the Lazaruses at our gate? How does our stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us reflect our allegiance to His kingdom values?"

C. The Early Church's Example of Community Care

Following Christ's example and teachings, the early church demonstrated a remarkable commitment to care and generosity. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers:

Acts 2:44–45 (ESV) — 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

This wasn't mere communal living; it was a radical expression of unity and love, born from their shared faith in Christ. They recognized that their material possessions were not truly their own but were entrusted to them by God for the benefit of the community.This idea is repeated in Acts 4:32-35 with a man named Joseph giving all the money he received from the sale of land he owned to the apostles to care for the needy. Also, in Acts 6 we see the disciples making sure that the widows among them are provided for in a daily distribution. The Christians were sacrificially giving to support their brethren.

In this, the early church sets a powerful precedent for us. Their practice of sharing and supporting one another challenges our individualistic tendencies and calls us to consider how we might live out these principles in our context, recognizing our interconnectedness as members of Christ's body."

The focus of giving in the New Testament Church does appear to be primarily giving to the other members of the church, but there are other texts that show the church would also be generous with the needy around them.

Galatians 6:10 (ESV) — 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

1 John 3:17–18 (ESV) — 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

These two texts teach us that the New Testament church was instructed to reach out to help everyone who is in need and vulnerable. The church has priority, but the needy around us should see the generosity of God through our kindness and giving. Those who feel that we should only give to members of the church should take a long hard look at Jesus’ story about the Good Samaritan. The Jew might want to believe that he only needs to help a fellow Jew, but Jesus shows him that anyone who is in dire need of help is your neighbor and we are commanded to love them. After the man was robbed and beaten, a Levite and a priest refused to help him, but a Samaritan went above and beyond to provide what the Jewish man needed. After telling this story, Jesus asks…

Luke 10:36–37 (ESV) — 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

The command to love your neighbor as yourself is not a wish. It’s not a suggestion. It’s God’s expectation for his people. He wants us to see those in dire need and reach out a helping hand to show the love that God has shown to us. We are called to give, even to those who are unworthy with grace and mercy.

D. Jesus' Emphasis on Spiritual and Physical Needs

But, Jesus offers a more profound dimension to this theme. In the Gospel of John, Christ's miracles are signs, each pointing beyond the immediate context to reveal deeper spiritual truths. For instance, after feeding the 5,000, Jesus declares:

John 6:26–27 (ESV) — 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

In this declaration, Christ is inviting us to discern the deeper hunger and thirst within our souls—a hunger for truth, for life, for connection with the divine. While He compassionately addresses physical needs, His ultimate aim is to draw all people to Himself, the source of eternal satisfaction and salvation.

What I find most interesting about this interchange between Jesus and this crowd of Jews who experienced his miraculous charity is the fact that they didn’t understand his aim and mission. This group of people who have followed him, were too focused on the physical needs to see their spiritual needs. They didn’t want the food that filled and satisfied their souls. They wanted an endless supply of food to fill their bellies.

If you notice, Jesus stopped feeding them physical food. He condemned them for their vain pursuit and called to the greater, spiritual, pursuit. But they would not accept his words and submit to his instruction. Even as we engage in acts of charity and compassion, we are called to maintain this dual focus—attending to immediate needs while pointing to the eternal hope found in Christ. Our acts of kindness are not ends in themselves but are supposed to be given with the greater purpose of revealing God's love and truth."

This is the focus and the mission God has given us. The church is not a charity that God created to meet physical needs. Its purpose is to meet spiritual needs. Let us never get distracted and waste our efforts trying to feed everyone everywhere when our mission is to save everyone everywhere, to give them the bread of life. So many denominations have fallen into this trap. Remember, Jesus said he wasn’t here to fill people’s bellies. He was here to help people be transformed.

II. Discerning Right Action: Care Without Enabling

A. The Difference Between Biblical Generosity and Enabling

In navigating the call to care for the poor, we must also exercise wisdom and discernment. It's essential to differentiate between biblical generosity—a reflection of God's own heart—and enabling behavior that might inadvertently perpetuate dependence or irresponsibility. Paul offers guidance in

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (ESV) — 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

This directive does not diminish our call to help those in genuine need but encourages a responsible approach that considers the long-term wellbeing of the person being helped. Our goal is not merely to provide for immediate needs but to foster dignity, responsibility, and, where possible, a pathway to self-sufficiency.

We also see this in 1 Timothy 5, where widows are put through a screening process before being added to a role of dependency on the church. Do they have relatives who can take care of them? Are they younger than 60? The list is intended to do what is in the best interest of everyone involved. The church must be careful not to take over another’s opportunity to be generous, even though it may seem easier.

We can see in this that God is not wanting us to give flippantly or without considering the corrupting nature of money. He wants us to give with wisdom and discernment. True Christian charity is discerning. It seeks to do good in a way that honors the recipient's dignity and encourages their growth and well-being. This means sometimes saying 'no' or offering different forms of help than what is requested, always with the goal of truly benefiting the other person in alignment with God's wisdom and love."

B. We Must Give

As we recognize that sharing our money can create issues in the lives of others, we must be careful not to become greedy or apathetic towards the poor. One of the most prominent teachings on this is found in Matthew 25, where Jesus reveals that those who refuse to give to the poor, he doesn’t know. They won’t be welcomed into his rest. Those who get to enter into the joy of the Lord, see the least and welcome him or her into their home when they are without shelter, give them food, clothing, and whatever they need as God has shared with them abundantly. They act as Ruth and Boaz acted.

Giving is not always the right course to take, but, when someone has a real need, we must be the people who fill it. We need wisdom. Let’s dissect this further.

C. Identifying Genuine Needs

As we strive to help wisely, how can we discern genuine needs? First, we must pray for discernment, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in recognizing genuine needs and responding appropriately. James 1:5 encourages us in this:

James 1:5 (ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Moreover, we listen—truly listen—to the stories of those seeking aid, understanding their circumstances and challenges. We also seek the counsel and insights of others within the community, especially when deciding how best to assist someone.

In identifying genuine needs, we also consider the whole person—physical, emotional, spiritual—and how best to support their overall well-being. This holistic approach often requires more than financial assistance; it may involve offering time, companionship, counsel, or spiritual support.

Ultimately, identifying genuine needs is about seeing each person as God sees them, recognizing their inherent value and dignity, and responding in a way that reflects God's love and justice."

While emphasizing the importance of giving, we must also guard against giving without care, concern, or love. 1 Corinthians 13:3 warns:

1 Corinthians 13:3 (ESV) — 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Our giving, whether collective or personal, should be infused with love—a genuine desire for the well-being of others, reflecting the heart of God. This is further echoed in 1 John 3:17

1 John 3:17 (ESV) — 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

Our giving should emerge from a place of empathy and concern, not from a sense of obligation or for self-glorification. It's an expression of our shared humanity and our commitment to embody Christ's love in the world.

Whether we give collectively through the church or personally in our daily interactions, our giving should be intentional, generous, and, above all, loving. It's a tangible expression of our faith, a manifestation of the love we've received from God, shared with those around us in both material and immaterial ways."

III. Living Out Our Call: Practical Steps to Care for the Poor

A. Individual Actions

In our individual lives, each of us has unique opportunities to extend God's love and compassion to those in need. Here are practical ways you can personally engage in caring for the poor:

• Keep your head up: Those who are struggling are often brought into our view at moments when we least expect it. There are opportunities around us that we just need to see and commit to.

• Direct Assistance: Offer help in personal, tangible ways, whether by providing a meal, assisting with job applications, teaching them to develop physical skills, or simply lending a listening ear. Remember, the goal is to empower, not enable. Also, prepare to offer people spiritual edification and instruction.
• Prayer: Never underestimate the power of prayer. Pray for those in need, for the organizations helping them, and for wisdom in how you can contribute effectively.

⠀B. Church Community Response

As a church body, we can unite our resources and efforts to make a significant impact. Here are ways our church community can collectively respond to the needs of the poor:

• Organize Resources: Collect food, clothing, or other necessities for the brethren in need. Ensure that these brethren can put together enough to get them through.
• Provide For The Spiritual: Collaborate to create events and studies that instruct people on how to live and how to find the purpose and support that God provides. Funds, bodies, minds, and ideas are valuable for brethren to create the best events possible. Host workshops or seminars to educate our congregation about poverty, social justice, and our biblical mandate to help those in need.
• Benevolence Fund: Our congregation has a part of our budget set aside to assist those in our congregation and community facing financial hardships.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, our faith compels us to act, to embody the love and compassion of Christ in a world rife with suffering and need. There is a special place in God’s heart for the poor and for those who care for them. By taking individual steps, uniting as a church community, and extending our reach globally, we can make a tangible difference, reflecting God's heart for the poor and vulnerable. Let us be motivated not by guilt but by love, for 'We love because He first loved us' (1 John 4:19). May our actions echo the grace and mercy we've received, inspiring others to seek the source of our love—our Lord Jesus Christ."