But some will say, the poor do not deserve a share of my hard earned money.

This is understandable if you take credit for being a self-made person. However if you know in your heart that your talents are from God, that your motivational level comes from God, that your ability to earn money is from God, then the perspective is totally different. If you know that God is the provider then you no longer refer to the money you earn as MY money. It is really God’s—all of it. As His servant you can rejoice in putting some of it in the hands of needy people.

So when you read about Zacchaeus promising a huge share of his money to the poor, and how some disciples sold houses and gave it for the poor, and how the early Christians took up a special offering for the poor, it makes sense to you. You can relate to the actions of those persons centuries ago who share your attitude. They too knew that all they had came from God.

God's justice is served when persons who never have to worry about having food, clothing, transportation and shelter, share liberally with people who do not have such security.

As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

See James 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17; Luke 19:2-9; 2 Cor. 9:9-10

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