According to legend, long ago there lived a man named Robin Hood who robbed the rich and gave the money to the poor. Similar stories of people taking money from the rich to help poor people come from all over the world. And even whether Robin Hood was a hero or a villain is open to debate. Yet God’s people should have no doubt about the attitude He wants us to have toward helping the needy. Here is what God told the ancient nation of Israel, recorded in Exodus Chapter 22, “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. “You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.” Also, in Deuteronomy 15 we read, “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.” “I am commanding you to share freely with the poor.” Some doctors today believe giving to others can help heal our own physical pain. And we should remember that not all poor people are lazy. Stingy people use many excuses to avoid helping the needy, but God’s people especially should look for ways to show kindness to the poor.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
