James 1:9 “Now the believer of humble means” [as a believer and coheir with Christ].

Few people understand the theology of poverty. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you” (Mark 14:7).

We should do everything possible to help the poor survive a temporary situation and to let them know that others care for them, especially God.

The early church practiced a common generosity toward the poor. Believers “sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” (Acts 2:45).

As the need arose, the church gave a helping hand. “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold” (4:34).

This has nothing to do with “Christian communism,” or the equal distribution of wealth, or the elimination of poverty. The people gave out of a generous volunteerism to help refugees and others in temporary emergencies, such as famines, wars, or plagues.

Some will always have more than others, but it is sinful for the less fortunate to expect that the better off must give to them or that they owe it to them.

God’s word for the poor does not promise prosperity or wealth; rather, the commands focus on contentment, which means “to have enough, or be satisfied.” Jesus commanded, “Be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). Every believer must learn “if we have food and clothing [shelter], let us be content” (1 Tim 6:8).

The writer of Hebrews said, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you’” (Heb 13:5)—-that is, God says, “Let Me fill your heart, instead of things and money.”

The Apostle Paul said, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” (Phil 4:11–-12^NLT).

Instead of living for more, be thankful now for what you have.

“Lord, the honor of being Your child and the privilege of having a purpose with You are beyond imagination. My situation now is incomparable with what I will share with You forever. Thank You.”

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