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Using God’s Word to Battle Poverty

Did you know that 1 in 10 people live in extreme poverty? That’s a lot of people who are struggling to survive and have no hope for a better future. Poverty means a lack of money and a condition of oppression, injustice, and hopelessness.

As Christians, we must care for the poor and to seek justice for the oppressed. But how can we do that effectively and faithfully? How can we fight poverty with the power of God’s word? Today, let’s talk about how to fight poverty with God’s word.

God’s Word Reveals the Causes and Consequences of Poverty

Undoubtedly, the Bible is not silent about the issue of poverty. It reveals the root causes and the devastating consequences of poverty in society. Some of the causes of poverty are the following;

First, sin and disobedience to God’s law (Deut. 28:15-68)
Second, oppression and exploitation by the powerful (Ps. 10:2; Prov. 22:16; Amos 5:11-12)
Third, injustice and corruption in the legal system (Prov. 17:23; Isa. 10:1-2; Mic. 3:9-12)
Fourth, laziness and irresponsibility (Prov. 6:6-11; 10:4; 2 Thess. 3:10)
Fifth, natural disasters and calamities (Gen. 41:53-57; Job 1:13-22; Acts 11:28)

As well as that some of the consequences of poverty include:

Firstly, hunger and malnutrition (Prov. 19:15; Eccl. 6:7; Matt. 25:35)
Secondly, sickness and disease (Prov. 10:3; Eccl. 5:12; Matt. 9:35)
Thirdly, shame and humiliation (Prov. 14:20; Ps. 109:22; Luke 16:19-21)
Fourth, violence and crime (Prov. 30:8-9; Eccl. 4:14; James 2:6)
Fifth, hopelessness and despair (Job 3:20-26; Ps. 88; Lam. 3)

Indeed, God’s word exposes the reality of poverty and its impact on human dignity and well-being. It also warns us of the dangers of ignoring or neglecting the poor and the blessings of showing mercy and generosity to them (Prov. 14:31; 21:13; Matt. 5:7; Luke 6:38).

God’s Word Reveals His Heart and His Plan for the Poor

Furthermore, the Bible reveals God’s heart and His plan for the poor and is not indifferent or distant from the plight of the poor. Unquestionably, He is a God who:

Indeed, loves and cares for the poor (Ps. 68:5; John 3:16)
Also, hears and answers their cries (Ps. 34:6; Heb. 4:16)
Moreover, defends and delivers them from their oppressors (Ps. 72:4; Luke 4:18)
Similarly, provides and sustains them with his grace (Ps. 145:15-16; Phil. 4:19)
And, honors and exalts them in his kingdom (Ps. 113:7-8; James 2:5)

Moreover, God’s word also reveals His plan for the poor, to redeem them from their sin and misery, to restore them to their original purpose and destiny as His image-bearers and co-rulers over creation (Gen. 1:26-28; Ps. 8). God’s plan is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sake so that we might become rich in Him (2 Cor. 8:9). Jesus Christ is the highest manifestation of God’s love, justice, and power for the poor.

God’s Word Empowers Us to Fight Poverty with Faith and Action

Finally, the Bible empowers us to fight poverty with faith and action. God’s word gives us:

First, a vision of God’s will for His world, where there is no more poverty, injustice, or suffering, but only peace, righteousness, and joy in His presence (Isa. 65:17-25; Rev. 21:1-5)
Second, a mission to proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom, where He reigns over all things with grace and truth and invites all people to repent and believe in Him (Mark 1:14-15; Matt. 28:18-20)
Third, a mandate to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves, especially those who are poor and needy (Deut. 6:4-5; Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:37-40)
Fourth, a model to follow Jesus, who demonstrated his love and compassion by healing, feeding, teaching, and serving them (Matt. 9:35-36; 14:13-21; 15:29-39; John 13:1-17)
Lastly, a motivation to give generously and sacrificially of our time, talents, and treasures as a response to God’s grace and a reflection of His character (Prov. 11:24-25; 2 Cor. 9:6-15; 1 John 3:16-18)

Ultimately, God’s word is a source of not only information but also transformation. It changes our hearts, minds, and actions as we align ourselves with God’s heart and plan for the poor. In addition, it equips us with the wisdom, courage, and strength to fight poverty with the power of God’s word.

In short, deprivation is a complicated and multifaceted problem that requires a holistic and biblical approach. We cannot fight poverty with human wisdom or resources alone. Indeed, we need the power of God’s word, which reveals the causes and consequences of poverty, God’s heart and plan for the poor, and our role and responsibility as His people. By studying, obeying, and applying God’s word, we can fight poverty with faith and action and join God in His mission of making all things new.

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