Mercy on the Needy
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
The great Creator God cares deeply about the poor and the humble. While most people find it easy to ignore the poor, God considers those who oppress the poor as if they had reproached Him.
On the other hand, those who honor God and act as He would act will show mercy and kindness to the needy.
Jesus Christ explained this powerfully in His parable of the sheep and the goats. He commended the righteous for taking care of Him when He was in need.
They were confused and asked, “‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘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 25:37-40).
On the other hand, those who did not help those in need “will go away into everlasting punishment” (verse 46).
For more about giving vs. getting, see “Eighth Commandment: You Shall Not Steal.”
