March 18th, 2026

Good intentions are not enough. Our relationship to the poor must be guided not only by compassion, but also by scripture. When we give people a hand out rather than a hand up we create dependency and a sense of entitlement. Rather than helping them achieve personal independence we have locked them into a cycle of poverty.

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field…Leave them for the poor and the alien”

— Lev. 23:22

Lord Jesus, grant us both wisdom and compassion that we may help the less fortunate without belittling them. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.