Please Remember The Poor
Galatians 2:10 (NIVUK)
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
As Christians, we love books about missionary heroes, don’t we? Give us a biography of Jackie Pullinger or Brother Andrew and we’re mentally on our way, inspired to see the Lord move, to sell our belongings and get on the road to a dangerous destination! But do you know what really marked these passionate disciples? They took the biblical call very seriously to honour those in poverty (spiritually or physically).
Scripture teaches that speaking in tongues (and singing too) without love - caring for the poor, the orphan and the widow - sounds like 'clanging cymbals' in Heaven (1 Cor 13:1). I feel this stab of conviction when I’ve sung my heart out at church, then step outside and am unmoved by someone on Broad Street who is hungry. Paul reminds us that biblical love requires our sung worship to inspire care for the spiritually and physically poor. However, we don’t want to act from guilt and I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t be singing/songwriting (we should!) But alarm bells sound if we are not disturbed by others' suffering.
Over time, serving the poor became a tick box in some parts of the Western Church, rather than a financial and cultural priority. Perhaps we became unsure that Jesus has a storehouse of provision for us? I believe as we follow the Spirit’s exciting adventure to pray more fervently and to birth new songs of worship, and as we become more aware of God's heart, we will be moved to greater service to the poor. By knowing who we are in him - beloved, provided for, delighted in…. we are more likely to be changed by the Holy Spirit to have authentic compassion for those in need in Birmingham and elsewhere. Now that is a truly beautiful song!
Prayer - Lord, help me enjoy my quiet time with you today. Wash me clean with your love and help me to listen to your promptings to serve the poor in my workspace and neighborhood.
Song recommendation: Pour my love on you – Upperroom
If you or someone you know is being affected by poverty right now, please know you are not on your own. Please contact our amazing Love Your Neighbour team to see how we can help you: Love Your Neighbour — Gas Street Church, Birmingham.