I fear that far too many American Christians have formed an opinion of their responsibility to the poor from experience or from political leanings.  I have had many conversations over the years about poverty that concluded with discussions of poor choices and drug abuse.  I have also spoken with people who have a shocking level of trust in the government to handle the problem.

The Bible, however, indicates that His people ought to be both concerned about the problem AND an active part of the solution.  While there are certainly passages that identify sloth as a sin, and there are passages that indicate that a person able to work needs to work for their food.  There are also clear injunctions for the people of God to care about poverty enough, to be sure to give to those in need.

One particular passage that comes to mind on the topic of caring for those in poverty is Leviticus 19:9-10 which says,

 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.”

The instructions of God to His people; make sure you leave some for the poor.  And so it would be wise to take on this Biblical instruction at this cultural moment. The news is full of stories of the government shutdown.  I have had several people ask me what we plan to do for those who are struggling in poverty and now are finding out that government assistance programs may be cut off as early as this weekend.

My answer is to support your local food pantry.  I was privileged to be a founding member of the Mattawan Area Pantry back over a decade ago.  And that ministry will likely be pressed in the coming weeks.  Volunteer.  Give.  And Pray for those under hard times.

As a former board member who was once much more involved than I’ve been recently, I can still say that monetary gifts go MUCH further than food donations.  The food pantries can buy food by the pound.  For the money it costs you to buy a can of green beans to donate, they could take that money and buy a few cans through subsidized food vendors like Feeding America.

Regardless do where you stand on the political spectrum . . . Regardless of how many times you’ve seen abuses of your generosity . . . Regardless of how much you think the government should be the solution . . . Right now is time for communities to step up and help out.  Again, volunteer, give, and pray.