Much is written about the poor in the Bible. Jesus said that the poor will always be with us. Most people who have lived in a time of need have pity for those who are poor. Even if we haven’t experienced being in need, we have the desire to help. Sometimes we do not always understand how to help, though.

It is better to err on the generous side when dealing with the poor. God knows our hearts and rejoices when He sees pity and concern for a fellow man. The Bible tells us that if we lend to the poor, God will repay our generosity (Proverbs 19:17). God does expect us to use our minds and judgment though. Those who are poor through no fault of their own often rebound with just a little help. Those who are poor as a result of bad choices are often more difficult to help. God is involved and is interested in what is in our heart. Since we usually do not fully understand a person’s circumstance in life, try to err on the side of liberality.