The benefits of helping the poor

While praying for the safety and recovery of the Haiti people and sending money for their relief from the recent devastating earthquake, I’ve pondered the question, “Why do I need to pray for their well being and help their cause? What does it matter?”

I thought of Jesus’ admonitions to help the poor, and also studied Mary Baker Eddy’s thought-provoking statement, “If we turn away from the poor, we are not ready to receive the reward of Him who blesses the poor.”

What is “…the reward of Him who blesses the poor?” I've asked.

“The poor” is a relative term. Defined strictly by material standards, it refers to a lack of money, things, and worldly possessions.

I’ve known many people classified as poor over the years, especially in the farming industry where much of the labor force lives hand to mouth. But I've also witnessed firsthand how these same people live immensely rich lives. They can be very rich in faith and trust. They also can have very tight families which are rich in love.

I’ve seen millionaires who have far less faith and trust in God’s ability to provide than a homeless man wandering the streets. A homeless man can lose all his worldly possessions and not think much about it. He knows life goes on, and he’ll find what he needs. A billionaire can lose several billion dollars, have a billion left over, but feel so devastated by his perceived loss of wealth, that he commits suicide. So, who is the rich man? Who is truly the blessed? Is it the vast stock holder who frets and worries and agonizes over his worldly possessions day after day, or the homeless stranger who enjoys each moment and rarely worries about tomorrow?

For those who have material wealth, there is great gain in appreciating, valuing and honoring the faith, trust and patience the less materially fortunate possess. This faith and trust is some of the blessings God has bestowed upon them that gives them the ability to keep on going, not give up and retain hope that things will get better.

When we have a heart for these people, we make room in our lives to gain more of the same faith, trust and patience they already possess. The money sent their way is more than made up for by the example of endurance, patience and faith they send back for us to learn from and implement in our own lives. This is a "reward" worth having and it is the product of selfless giving.