Should Christians Care About Poor?

Christians should care about where God’s heart is. And God continuously cares about the Poor, the Downtrodden, the Weak, the Broken-hearted, the Widows, the Orphans, the Marginalized. How do we know that? We know that when God reveals to us about these people in and through His Word.

In this edition, we will see how God’s heart beats for the Poor.

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Old Testament

The Old Testament shows us clearly that God’s heart is with the poor. His Word from different sections—Pentateuch, Wisdom Literature & Poetry, and the Prophets—reveals a consistent call to care, justice, and mercy.

From the very beginning of Israel’s journey, God gave His people clear instructions on caring for those in need. In Deuteronomy 15:7–8 (NIV), we read:

“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”

This command reminds us that a caring community must look out for its vulnerable members, especially the Poor.

Gleaning

Another practical instruction comes in Leviticus 19:9–10, where God tells Israelites how they should not gather the gleanings of their harvest so that the Poor can come and have a share for themselves.

The wisdom writings reinforce God’s concern for the poor and show that kindness is a mark of true wisdom. Proverbs 14:31 (NIV) states:

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

This verse shows how God is on the side of the Poor, identifying with them; it shows how being Kind to the needy is honoring God, and how showing oppressing them is showing contempt towards God.

The Prophets call on the people to actively pursue justice and mercy. In Isaiah 1:17 (NIV), God instructs:

“Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.’”

This verse makes it clear that caring for the poor and oppressed is a command, not a suggestion.

Across the Old Testament, God’s message is consistent: He cares for the poor, and He calls His people to do the same.

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New Testament

The New Testament continues the Old Testament's message: God deeply cares for the poor and calls His people to do the same. Through Jesus' ministry, the teachings of the apostles, and the example of the early church, we see that compassion is central to the Christian life.

A foundational verse from the Gospels is Luke 4:18 (NIV), where Jesus declares His mission:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”

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This verse, quoting Isaiah, reveals that Jesus came to bring spiritual and physical restoration. The poor are not forgotten; they are at the heart of His mission. Jesus doesn’t just acknowledge the poor—He identifies with them and assures them of God’s kingdom.

Another verse from the Epistles is James 2:5 (NIV):

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

James reminds believers that worldly poverty does not define a person’s value—God sees and honors the faith of the poor.

The New Testament makes it clear: caring for the poor is an expression of true faith. It is not optional—it is the heart of following Christ.

Conclusion

From the Old Testament to the New, God’s concern for the poor remains unchanged. Jesus lived it, the apostles taught it, and we are called to continue it. As followers of Christ, our response to the poor is a reflection of our understanding of God’s grace. May these Scriptures stir us to live with open hands, compassionate hearts, and a deep desire to reflect God’s love in our actions.

God bless you!