With God’s Love, Let Us Help the Poor
On September 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to a harsh comment made on television about the poor. In reply, he quoted Proverbs 21:13: “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
That verse is powerful—and sobering. It reminds us that God takes very seriously how we treat people in need. Jesus once told a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-23). After both men died, the rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus was comforted at Abraham’s side. The lesson is clear: wealth, comfort, and status in this life mean nothing if we ignore those who are suffering around us.
Scripture repeatedly calls us to care for others in need. Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble.” Jesus also taught us the greatest commandments: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). If we see someone in need and choose to look away, John asks us plainly: “How does the love of God dwell in us?” (1 John 3:17).
Loving people isn’t just about kind words—it’s about action. The world around us is often cold, selfish, and indifferent (Matthew 24:12). But as followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We’re called to love with compassion, generosity, and care (1 John 3:18).
So, let’s pause and examine our own hearts. Do we truly care about the poor, the struggling, and the overlooked? Do we make space in our lives to listen, give, and help? God’s love is not meant to stop with us—it’s meant to flow through us. This week, ask God to give you eyes to see the needs around you and a heart willing to respond. With His love guiding us, let’s not ignore the cry of the poor—but instead, be part of God’s answer.
Proverbs 21:13
New International Version
13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
Luke 16:19-23
New International Version
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.
20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores
21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
Psalm 41:1
New King James Version
41 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
Mark 12:30-31
New International Version
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
1 John 3:17
New International Version
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Matthew 24:12
New International Version
12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold
1 John 3:18
New International Version
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
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