What does “real” help look like?

Probing Proverbs 14:31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him. 

Gold and “Fools Gold” which is the authentic one? Here is a Proverb that sounds good and makes sense, but it is important how we go about it and what our definition of “help” is. Authentic “help” takes in all the issues the person is dealing with. Often the concept of helping a poor person is simplified into just throwing money at them…which, in reality, has a history of helping nothing and many times makes the situation worse! 

For example: I remember when I lost my job due to a pilot strike. I filed for unemployment. The requirement to receive the financial help was to seek other work. Each interview the potential employer had to fill out a document that said I applied. I would then turn that paperwork in, which would allow me to receive help financially. The truth is no one tracked my paperwork. The money came from a system that was too overloaded to follow through on everyone, so the money was just given out no matter what. After two months of seeking, I landed another job. I was very grateful for the unemployment funds because they enabled me to pay my rent and buy groceries. Sadly, a buddy of mine that was let go at the same time never went to interviews, did no seeking. Instead, he decided to just take a vacation from work while enjoying the money he received from unemployment for over a year. 

I know that as a Pastor of a small church, with a limited budget, we did try to help those in need, however, many times our help was resented because we refused to just hand out cash. We would want to meet with the individual and understand their situation and share with them all the ways we might help them, which included an incredible Clothes Closet ministry, a free dinner we hosted each week offered to all that came, and a Deacon’s fund that was used to help in many ways. My office was always open, and I remember making runs for baby food and formula. 

This would be one of the areas where I did not enjoy being a Pastor. Experiencing the greed and nastiness in humans when they don’t get their way!

Imagine, me, a sinner hated this, consider how much more a Holy God, not only tolerates, but extends mercy and grace and a willingness to forgive…if we will only ask! 

The So What: ASK! No fancy words needed, no special gifts or money needed, just a humble heart.