Introduction
A. Being generous and helpful to the poor and less fortunate is a good start in showing the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ
1. There are times when we fail to provide help to the most needy people
2. We know many who beg alms in the streets; family members and even friends who need our assistance
3. These are opportunities we need to face as God's children
Discussion
A. Be Kindhearted To The Poor and Needy ( Mark 12:41-44; Luke 6:20)
1. The widow, knowing that she had nothing left to go by that day, gave everything she had.
2. This was an example that we need to emulate as Christians.
3.There is no need to wait to have more before we decide to help the poor and needy
4.No matter what the circumstance or situation is, we can give what we have to help others
- Remember that Jesus Christ watches us and our actions
- Let us not be arrogant to say that when a person is poor or less fortunate " he is lazy!"
B. We Should Give With All Our Hearts ( Luke 16:15; James 1:17; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
1. As we give with all our hearts to the less fortunate, we should feel great
2. We feel that God works within us
3. God loves a cheerful giver
- we don't have to think that if we have given enough
4.Any quantity given to others is truly worth more to the person who receives it
5. It is equally important that we give to the church as she uses this financial aid to spread God's word.
6.Let us pray that Christ's church will be guided by the hands of God
- so that the Sunday collection will be used to help others understand how God has given us a second life
- for a sinless life is much better than any material thing on earth
C.Jesus, Our Lord Instructed Us To Be Unselfish ( Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34-36; Luke 14:13-14)
1.We always want to draw a line between us and our neighbors
- on being generous
- on following God's words
- on helping those who are really in need
2. Covetousness ( greed and love of money) is a form of idolatry
3. Some think that " money can buy happiness"
- by just giving it to those who are in need
4.Jesus taught us so we should be willing to help the poor
Conclusion
A. Our Knowledge and Understanding about Poverty are not Enough to show How much we have learned from Jesus Christ
1.He wants us to give generously to others without expecting any reward
2.The amount we give does not matter so long as it came from a good source and frpm our hearts
- surely, God will be the one to repay us
3. We must pray that God will touch our hearts
- so that when we help the needy, others will follow our example
- realize that indeed " it is better to give than to receive"