Giving: Poor People Are Rich
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free…
Look 4:18 (NLT)
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Luke 6:20 (NIV)
But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
Luke 6:24 (NIV)
Mostly, Jesus focused on poor people. 'He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor' (Luke 4:18).
Hanging with the poor… is how God’s Son began His Life on Earth and it’s gruesomely how How finished it! Our Savior identifies with the poor:
'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' (Matthew 25:40).
But are the poor RICH… in what really counts?
Assets that are precious to our Father.
Assets that survive God’s refining fires.
Assets that make them royalty. They’re crowned…
With 'Loving kindness and tender mercies' (Psalm 103:4).
Consider a surprising statistic (but certainly NOT surprising to God): Poor people are the world’s greatest givers– even in actual dollars and cents.** Why? They understand the need and want to help. They love God so deeply, it overflows. They fully believe He will repay them!
They are the simple, the persecuted: men of great sorrow who live in great joy. What a paradox! This uncommon truth is a Bible theme… repeated countless times in countless ways:
'By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life' (Proverbs 22:4).
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 5:3).
Because 'Those who humble themselves will be exalted' (Luke 14:11).
Actors, models and talent for Christ:
Act rich in your roles! Look rich in your glow!
Sing richly in song.
Dance richly through life.
Play small to live large.
Step down to stand up.
Give big to get more.
Because poor people are rich in Spirit.
Giving: Poor People Are Rich (Part 9)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (NASB): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+8%3A1-4&version=NASB
** Poor People Give More (articles & studies): https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-generous-poor#:~:text=People%20of%20low%20socio%2Deconomic,with%20higher%20socio%2Deconomic%20status.
https://www.npr.org/2010/08/08/129068241/study-poor-are-more-charitable-than-the-wealthy