Contributor: Dolapo Olaoye

Introduction: Last week, we continued in our study of why we believe Jesus was not poor while on earth. We looked at 2 scriptures where he had provided food and drink for thousands. This week we will consider one of the main purposes why we must not allow ourselves to believe in the mentality that we are meant to be poor for any reason.

Have you ever seen a poor give? Jesus gave in so many ways while he lived on earth.

1. He gave his TIME (time spent travelling places to places preaching – Matt 3:13)
2. He gave his STRENGTH (Isaiah 40:29-31)
3. He gave his LIFE (1 Timothy 2:6)
4. He became MAN
5. He gave KNOWLEDGE (Daniel 1:17)

Jesus was NOT poor while on earth. He had so much to give and He gave. However, if you watch closely He could only give what HE HAD! (Time because he was the master of all time management, Strength even though he was travelling one city to another he drew strength from God to carry on and never gave up or complain, he gave his Life without questions, Knowledge because He believed in passing the acquired knowledge to others as that didn’t make Him less a great man rather One who acquired more knowledge only to again give out)

Ask yourself this, how can I help others if I cannot help myself first?

POOR Defined- Deprived economically, politically and socially. Have inadequate nutrition, higher risk of diseases and lack access to healthcare and basic essentials for living resulting in low achievement.

Agreed; we cannot make such people wealthy but we can at least help them achieve the essentials of life and lead a prosperous life.

Some people only need to be given a chance or opportunity in order for them to live an effective and long-lasting improved lives. Create a new system which motivates them to work and move forward.

Throwing out money or other kinds of donation do help the poor but let’s try another approach to change - raise them instead. Yes, RAISE THEM! Build a relationship with them, teach them and they can regain their self-confidence and self-esteem to work for themselves.

Change your approach. Rather than viewing them as a project (some of us have projects marked giving to the needy). Don’t get me wrong it’s good to help however rather than considering them a “project” start to see them as people to love and respect.

So I have but how exactly do I give the most effective way?

1. Give them a hand up rather than a hand out.
Philippians 2:4 “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

• Moral support
• Showing heartfelt humility and respect
• Provide them with the opportunities to improve their condition on their own
• Help them in overcoming barriers they face every-day
• Help them discover their own capabilities and capacity

2. Donate Groceries/eatables

Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,”

• Donating groceries can help end the hunger of poor and needy people. They cannot even afford a single time meal for themselves and their family, so donating food will make their stomach fill and stay healthy. Rather than wasting food or throwing it, it is better to give it to a needy person.

3. Group Involvement/Volunteering Teams

Deuteronomy 15:11 “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

• Volunteer your time and skills to help the poor and needy people. Groups can be formed that can help the needy, buy them a meal, give them a ride to shelter and other necessary assistance. Volunteers can help and teach them. Even the smallest efforts count. By sparing just few hours a week and doing even the smallest bit possible can do great wonders for the poor and needy people.

4. Better Understanding

Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

• Help them overcome the adversities of life. Understand their wants, desires and thoughts without diminishing their dignity and helping them achieve those wants in a respectable manner. Also, give them the same respect and courtesy you would accord your friends and family members. Respond them with a kind word and a smile.

5. Educate

Proverbs 13:1-2 “A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good . . .”

• Impart knowledge into them it helps them stand on their feet. Education is the beginning of getting out from hardships of life. Free education (available in Ireland BUT not all are aware! Simply bring it to their knowledge) Education can help them to get a job, be employed build career and achieve success, capability of handling problems and lead a successful life. Education will help them to develop their skills so that they can take over efforts to renew their life rather than always depending on the outsiders to do so for them.

REMEMBER YOU CAN NOT GIVE WHAT YOU DO NOT HAVE!