Serving Jesus

"When we serve the poor and the sick we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus." ~ St. Rose of Lima

Much of the time American attitudes toward the poor - yet not just in America - fall along the lines of fear, contempt or disregard. The poor are different and dangerous. Sometimes there's a suspicion that their condition is their own fault, that they're simply lazy or inferior. This leads to the attitude of the "deserving and undeserving" poor. Other Americans are more kind-hearted, but prefer not to look at the poor too closely. Doing so can be depressing, and they're surely not fun people to be around.

These attitudes are a world away from God's attitudes, as described in the following verses. Neediness arouses compassion in God-- and action.

"I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor."
- Psalm 140:12

"The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them." - Is 41:17
 
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." - Luke 6:20-21
 
"Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" - James 2:5 
 
We may think: "Of course God loves the poor; He loves everybody." But it's not so simple as that.
God's character is presented as a model for our own. If God values the poor, we have to think about what that means for us.

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you today as you ponder upon these thoughts.