Pastor Chris Zielke – The Heart of God
There is no doubt that poverty is both widespread and devastating, especially when we understand the level of poverty around the world compared to what we are blessed with here in Canada. As Christians, we cannot be indifferent toward those in need, because God’s expectations for us in regard to taking care of the poor are seen throughout the Bible. Listen to God’s words about the goodness of King Josiah in Jeremiah 22:16: “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me, declares the LORD?” Moses also instructed the Israelites to treat the poor and needy well: “Give generously to [them] and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to” (Deuteronomy 15:10). The heart of God is perfectly captured in Proverbs 14:31: Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy, he truly honors The Lord God.