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Answer
According to the most recent statistics, more than 840 million people worldwide suffer from chronic undernourishment. Each day, 26,000 young children lose their lives due to poverty, hunger, and preventable diseases. Given the significant portion of the global population living in such dire conditions, what actions should Christians take? How should the Church address this issue?
Christians ought to approach global poverty and hunger with compassion. Demonstrating genuine compassion for those in need, as exemplified by Jesus “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: ” (Mark 8:2), entails being aware of the need, caring for the individuals involved, and being prepared to take action on their behalf. Showing compassion to a needy brother is evidence of the love of God within us “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? ” (1 John 3:17). We honor God when we show kindness to the needy “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: But he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. ” (Proverbs 14:31).
Christians should respond to global poverty and hunger with action. While prayer for those in need is something every Christian can engage in, Christians should also make every effort to alleviate the suffering caused by global poverty and hunger. Jesus instructed, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34). Like Tabitha, we should always be engaged in “doing good and helping the poor” “Now there was at Joppa a ce
certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” (Acts 9:36).
The believer who selflessly gives to the poor will be blessed by God. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done” «He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; And that which he hath given will he pay him again.», (Proverbs 19:17). These divine blessings may be spiritual rather than material, but a reward is guaranteed—giving to the poor is an investment in eternity.
There are several Christian relief organizations that work not only to combat global poverty and hunger but also to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Groups such as Compassion International strive to meet the needs of the total person, both physical and spiritual.
Christians should respond to global poverty and hunger with hope. Believers can act on behalf of the poor with the confidence that they are helping further God’s work in the world: “I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy” «I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And the right of the poor.», (Psalm 140:12). Believers labor with the hope that Jesus will return, and “with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth” «but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.», (Isaiah 11:4).
Until that day of ultimate equi
As Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you” «For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. », (Matthew 26:11). Given this reality, we have boundless chances—and a pressing duty—to serve the Lord through helping others.
