Why Do We Give to the Poor?
How to Thrive and Breakthrough!
(NKJV for all scriptures)
By Jorge Parrott
Heaven’s windows are open. This is a time of great harvest, when the Lord’s light dispels every shadow and overturns the schemes of our spiritual enemy. Although widespread deception continues, we must prepare ourselves for whatever natural or man-made crisis may come.
As disciples of Jesus, we cling to God’s Word and to Psalm 91 in every season of global adversity. To receive God’s gifts and walk in His abundance—whether in good times or difficult ones—let’s briefly consider what Scripture teaches about giving to the needy, and how generosity positions us to prosper even as our souls prosper.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil—not to seize one person’s money and give it to another. “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)
In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns us: “Take care and be on guard against all covetousness.” Covetousness can be found in both the rich and the poor. Proverbs 23:4 also cautions us: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” Greed and materialism are simply forms of covetousness.
Jeremiah saw the same spirit at work when Jerusalem was under siege: “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.” (Jeremiah 6:13). Covetousness is a natural impulse of the flesh, and we must continually crucify it.
Jesus also teaches that “a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” In our world, people often define success by material wealth, but God looks at the heart. Job 34:19 reminds us that God shows no favoritism: He does not regard princes or the wealthy above the poor.
In Christ, there is no distinction between rich and poor—we are all equal before Him. Scripture tells us that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God consistently commands His people to care for the poor.
Deuteronomy 24:19 instructs us to leave part of our harvest for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow “so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”
Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 25:41–43, where He rebukes those who refused to feed, clothe, or visit the needy, equating service to the poor with service to Himself.
Even Paul—one of the greatest apostles—raised financial support for the poor in Jerusalem everywhere he ministered.
1 Corinthians 16:1–3 and Romans 15:26–27 show that both Jewish and Gentile believers contributed willingly.
A prophetic word in Acts 11:28 foretold a coming famine across the Roman Empire. In response, Paul collected support for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem—not by taking from wealthy churches to give to poor ones, but by inviting all churches, even those in “extreme poverty,” to participate. The Macedonian believers begged for the privilege of giving (2 Corinthians 8:1–4), demonstrating joy and generosity despite their suffering.
Scripture records these examples for our instruction, and they remain relevant today. Just as Paul supported the needy—especially those spreading the gospel—we are called to give to trustworthy individuals and ministries today. “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Paul did not seek gifts for himself but desired spiritual fruit for the givers (Philippians 4:17). Giving to the poor bears both spiritual and practical fruit, as seen in the story of Cornelius in Acts 10. His prayers and alms rose as a memorial before God, and in response God sent Peter to his household, where the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the message.
Two truths stand out:
1. Giving to the poor matters to God.
2. Prayer matters to God.
Cornelius practiced both, and God answered him.
Paul taught that giving must be done freely, cheerfully, and without manipulation. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving is a heart decision, not the result of guilt or pressure. Manipulation is never from God.
A cheerful giver reflects the heart of the Father. As Moses and Israel sang in Exodus 15:1–2, God is our strength, our salvation, and our provider. Giving is a spiritual act of gratitude, not a natural impulse of the flesh.
Paul explains that generosity overflows in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:12). When we give, we acknowledge His goodness and participate in His work.
We all desire answered prayer—so pray for others more than for yourself. We long for God to pour out His Spirit, but Scripture teaches that generosity is one way we pour out our gratitude to Him. “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
God doesn’t need our money—it already belongs to Him. What He desires is our hearts. His love for us is unchanging; Christ died for us even while we were sinners.
God is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. He fed millions of Israelites in the wilderness and multiplied bread and fish for thousands. And He forbids using manipulation or spiritual pressure to obtain money. Manipulation is akin to the sin of witchcraft. Instead, God calls us to cultivate genuine relationships with the people and ministries He places in our lives.
Psalm 121 reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He watches over us and does not sleep.
As Christians, we cannot ignore suffering—especially when it affects people we know. As leaders in CMM, we visit missionaries and partners on the field, ensuring wise stewardship and faithful use of resources entrusted to them. Stewardship is essential to walking in the character of Christ.
Many CMM missionaries risk their lives for the gospel as persecution increases around the world. Ask the Lord of the Harvest how He wants you to respond in prayer and support. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Hebrews 13:3 instructs us to remember the persecuted as though we were suffering with them. Paul modeled both prayer and action by providing financial support to the needy. Every believer should desire to walk closely with Jesus and follow the Spirit’s leading, fulfilling the righteous requirement of God’s law (Romans 8:4).
We pray and declare that you and your household experience the refreshing of the Lord.
Thank you for reading. Please share this message with your loved ones, your church, and your community.
Sow Into CMM Global: https://cmm.world/donate/ to donate or request prayer.