Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear that we are to help the poor. But to obey this commandment, it is important to answer two questions: who are the deserving poor? How do we help the poor? In this lesson, we address the first question.
A person may be poor for many reasons. So, perhaps the best way to define the deserving poor is to ask who we are forbidden to help. Considering the warnings in the book of Proverbs and Paul's blunt admonition in 2 Thessalonians, it is clear we are not to help the lazy. Not those who sleep in occasionally but the obstinate, rebellious sluggard who refuses to work. Second, we are to be extremely cautious when helping those caught in besetting sins. Proverbs command not to be among the drunkards or the gluttons. The nature of these sins — besetting sins that enslave or addict – disqualifies them from direct financial aid from the church.
Who are we supposed to help? There are four categories: the unbelieving poor, our brothers and sisters in Christ, our own family, and widows. Paul's instructions concerning widows in 1 Timothy 5 are particular. There are some widows we are to refuse; some widows we are to help. In the middle of his instructions, we overlook an important command: "instruct the church." Every member, from the youngest to the oldest, ought to know and honor the widows in their church.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.