Introduction

Kindness to the poor is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of compassion, generosity, and justice. The Scriptures consistently call believers to care for those in need, reflecting God's own heart for the marginalized and disadvantaged. This entry explores the biblical foundation for kindness to the poor, highlighting key passages and principles that guide Christian conduct.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for kindness to the poor, integrating it into the fabric of Israelite society and law. The Mosaic Law includes numerous provisions to protect and provide for the poor. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This command ensures that the poor have access to food and sustenance.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further emphasizes generosity: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage underscores the expectation of open-handedness and willingness to meet the needs of the impoverished.

The wisdom literature also speaks to this theme. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse highlights the spiritual dimension of aiding the poor, suggesting that such acts are seen and rewarded by God Himself.

Prophetic Calls for Justice

The prophets frequently address the issue of social justice, calling out the neglect and exploitation of the poor. Isaiah 58:6-7 declares, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood?" Here, true worship is linked with active compassion and justice for the poor.

Amos 5:24 famously calls for justice to "roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" This imagery conveys the idea that justice and righteousness, including care for the poor, should be abundant and continuous.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues the call to kindness, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and teaching compassion for the poor. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, indicating God's favor towards those who recognize their need (Matthew 5:3). In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me." This passage underscores the idea that serving the poor is akin to serving Christ Himself.

The early church also demonstrated a commitment to caring for the poor. Acts 4:34-35 describes the believers' practice of sharing possessions: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal approach ensured that the needs of all were met.

The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 2:10, recounts the agreement with the Jerusalem apostles to "remember the poor," which he was eager to do. This reflects the continuity of concern for the poor across different Christian communities.

Theological Implications

Kindness to the poor is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's character and kingdom values. It is an expression of love, mercy, and justice, integral to the life of faith. The biblical mandate to care for the poor challenges believers to live out their faith through tangible acts of service and generosity, embodying the love of Christ in a broken world.