What does the Bible say about giving to the poor?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that we are called to love others by meeting their tangible needs, particularly the poor. God commands His people to give generously and kindly, emphasizing that we should act with empathy and share what we have, recognizing that the poor also bear His image. Jesus further stresses that caring for the needy is akin to caring for Him. However, while we are to be generous, we must also use discernment, ensuring that our giving doesn't enable sin or support harmful behavior. Ultimately, our giving reflects the generosity we have received from God and should be done in a way that honors Him.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In the Mosaic covenant, God made provision for the poor and for sojourners to be able to get food by commanding the Israelites not to reap their harvests to the very edge of the field (Leviticus 23:22). Caring for the poor is a necessary and desirable part of living a life committed to God.
• When instructing His people about how they should live in the promised land, God commanded not only generous giving but a generous and loving attitude toward those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7, 10, 11).
• Those with less financial resources bear the image of their Creator and are loved by Him to the same extent as those with more financial means. Psalm 72:12–13 declares about God, "For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy."
• God associates Himself with the poor (Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 19:17).
• God desires us to share what He’s given us to others less fortunate, "Is not this the fast that I choose… Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?… if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday" (Isaiah 58:6, 7, 10).
• Withholding resources or justice from the poor are identified as sins. God stated to His people through the prophet Ezekiel, "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy" (Ezekiel 16:49).
• Through the prophet Amos, God said, "For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins—you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate" (Amos 5:12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When referring to brothers and sisters in Christ who are hungry, thirsty, or naked but are taken care of by fellow believers, Jesus confirmed, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
• Everything we have is a direct result of God's generosity to us. Ephesians 4:28 emphasizes that God was giving land to believers in Ephesus and that His blessing was upon their work for the purpose of them having enough to share with those in need.
• Our financial resources are not intended for us only, but for us to share with others. Being reminded that the source of every good thing is not one's own intelligence, ingenuity, or hard work, but rather the gracious gift of our good and loving God, should humble us to give away some resources (James 1:17).
• True faith will lead to actual giving when needs arise. James explained, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:15–17).
• Generosity for the poor should in no way become resources that condone or support a continued sinful lifestyle (2 Thessalonians 3:10–12).
• When instructing the church on how to support widows in need, Paul commanded that any widow who received financial support be one who "is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God… having a reputation for good works" (1 Timothy 5:5, 10). Thus, it may require discernment in determining exactly how to best give to those in need.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God has compassion for those in need and desires His followers to share in that concern. The Bible's main requirements about giving to the poor are to give in a way that engenders mutual respect and humble acknowledgment that any generosity in which we participate is only a reflection of the generosity we have been shown by God. Seeing ourselves as dependent on God and recognizing His image in someone else in need can lead to the open-handed generosity of heart and resources that God commands throughout the Scriptures. Ultimately, having been a recipient of God’s generosity, we should be generous to those around us in return (Exodus 22:21; Matthew 10:8; Luke 7:47; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3).

This does not mean we just give money without accountability to the poor. It means we give with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that our generosity genuinely meets their needs and supports their well-being. We are called to help in a way that fosters dignity and encourages positive transformation, not just short-term relief. This includes being mindful of the root causes of poverty and helping individuals in a manner that promotes their independence and growth.

As we give, we must also consider how our actions reflect the heart of God—showing love, kindness, and understanding—while guiding others toward lasting change through Christ. Ultimately, our generosity is an expression of God’s love and a way to bring others closer to His grace.

UNDERSTAND

• Caring for the poor is a biblical mandate.
• Helping the needy reflects God’s love and care for them.
• Giving to the poor must support true needs without enabling sin.

REFLECT

• How can you reflect God’s love and generosity in your interactions with the poor around you?
• In what areas of your life do you need to practice discernment before giving, ensuring that your generosity is truly helping and not enabling negative behavior?
• How can you develop a heart of open-handed generosity, recognizing that everything you have is a gift from God?

ENGAGE

• What are some practical ways we can ensure our generosity reflects both compassion and wisdom?
• How can we as believers foster a culture of generosity that encourages independence and growth for those in need?
• What challenges do we face when it comes to giving, and how can we overcome them to better care for the poor in a Christlike manner?