February 18, 2016

Show the Poor Compassion

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. -- Proverbs 14:31

It’s so frustrating to see all those ugly posts that pop up on Facebook and are aimed at the poor. They assume that if someone is poor, that person is also too lazy to work. What’s worse? Many of those people are Christians who don‘t see a problem with their attitude.

Are there people who receive welfare, food stamps and Medicaid who are too lazy to work? I’m sure there are. But the majority? Not even close.

Let me tell you about a few I know. One is an older woman who worked until two strokes took her eyesight. She doesn’t have enough money for utilities, food and medicine. Food is often the last on her list. Fortunately, the senior citizen director noticed her weight loss and got her signed up for food stamps.

Another man searched for a job for two years. He and his wife both worked for the same company -- until it closed down. Nobody wanted to hire a middle-aged man. He was either two qualified or not qualified enough. He was desperate. Yes, they received food stamps for themselves and two children. He finally got a job cleaning houses. His wife got a minimum wage job at a gas station. Were they too lazy to work? No. They just couldn’t find a job. Until you’ve walked in their shoes, don’t judge.

What about the young mother whose husband left her? She has no job skills and two children who require care. Yeah. I know. There’s always somebody to condemn her for having children. Or choosing the wrong man for their father. But here’s the reality: She is only qualified for a minimum wage job. That won’t support her and two children, especially when she must pay for childcare. And we won’t even talk about lost pay when one or both of the children get sick. She needs a helping hand, not a judgmental lecture.

One thing I’ve always noticed about those who judge: they don’t have a clue. I had hoped that the economic downturn would turn more folks into compassionate people. Some missed out all around.

For we who claim Christ as Savior, it should never be an issue. We are called to be kind and compassionate to the poor. We are told repeatedly not to judge. Why do we think it’s okay to do both -- and do it publicly? It’s one of the many reasons the unsaved condemn Christians as being hypocrites. Shame on us all!