APP: Poverty is nothing new. It dates back to the beginning of human history, and it will continue until life as we know it on this planet ends. When you can’t afford basic human needs like clean water, food, health care, clothing, shelter, and education, you’re living in poverty. It sounds crazy, but there can actually be certain advantages to being poor. The most important benefit is recognizing that you have to totally depend on God for everything. He is the only One who can offer the escape you really want. You have the advantage of knowing that you are interdependent on others who share a similar situation. There’s the benefit of recognizing that your security isn’t in things but in other people. And you have the ability of distinguishing between what you want and what you need. Sometimes it’s easy to want to avoid or ignore the poor. It’s cooler to hang out with others who are wealthy and popular. God wants us to help and encourage the poor. We have to be willing to spend more time with the poor and outcasts of society. Even simple things like a drink of water or providing shelter can make a difference.
Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
PROVERBS 13:18 NIV
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
LUKE 12:32–34 NLT
“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.”
1 SAMUEL 2:7 NIV
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
PROVERBS 21:5 NIV
He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
PROVERBS 22:16 NASB
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 CORINTHIANS 8:9 NASB