Remembering the Poor

Galatians 2:10
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

America, “Land of Opportunity.” This is the place where dreams are made and come true . . . for some. For others, however, life is not so good, dealing them a hand less desirable. It’s easy to think that because we are doing OK, everyone else should be too. If we can make a living, so should everyone else.
We have no idea the situations that lead to a person needing help. We probably couldn’t fathom the lives people have had, leading them to desperation. We’ve all made mistakes, and we should be thankful if ours have not given us over to a life on welfare or on the streets. If it has, well, then you can be sure that God has not forgotten you!
We, as Christians, are to remember the poor – what exactly does that mean? You know, the early Church, as it is often referred to, took care of each other. If there was someone poor among them, struggling to make ends-meat, they would help that person. When I think about that I often think of the LDS church. Now, I’m not advocating their beliefs by any-means, however, when it comes to remembering their poor, they have it figured out! They have a better “welfare” system than the government! They take care of each other, help each other find work, and get clothes and groceries. I am amazed at all they accomplish by simply remembering others, and acting on their behalf.
I have been marked by a study of the word “remember,” as I learned that when God remembers us it means that He is acting on our behalf. It is not as though He ever forgot us, it is just that He is taking our situation into consideration and doing something about it. (Conversely, when He “forgets” our sin, it means that He does not take it into consideration when dealing with us – praise His mercy!)
So, when we are told to remember the poor, it is not as though we are being asked to think about them, feel sorry for them, or wonder at their plight. Rather, we are being urged to do something for them – donate to the benevolence fund at our churches, donate time or money to our local rescue missions, take dinner to someone in need, give them clothes they may need. . . whatever the Lord may lay on our hearts! We should not be surprised at what He may give to others through us. And I would imagine that we will end up just as blessed (if not more) than those who are receiving!
Won’t you pray today and ask God whom He would have you remember today? Ask Him what He would have you do for that person, and then step out in faith and remember them! And know that if you need to be remembered, God is acting on your behalf this very moment, even if no one else on earth is.