The Bible tells us:
of God's love and provision for the poor (Deut 15:4, Psalm 68:10);
that Jesus first loved us - so we should show love to others (1 John 3:16,17);
that Jesus himself showed compassion to the poor (Luke 4:18, Mark 12:42);
Jesus can take the smallest amount we give and multiply its impact (Matt 13: 14-21);
Obedience - we are commanded to look after the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick and the imprisoned (Matt 25: 31-46);
Avoiding favouritism - we are told to be careful not to discriminate against the poor (James 2:1-12);
Feigning ignorance is not an excuse for inaction (Luke 10: 25-37);
Eternal blessing - our focus should be on storing up treasures in heaven (Luke 12:32-34);
Direct action in response to God's love for the poor
APATHY - "but I do care"
MATERIALISM - "I know a small sacrifice on my part can really make a difference to the lives of others"
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE - "I could regularly read ROPE's free quarterly newsletter."
PERCEPTION OF WASTE -
"All of my gift to ROPE goes to the poor, none is deducted for expenses
because these are met by a separate charity, Friends of ROPE.
Much work is done by volunteers."
ROPE: Works through a network of national and Christian volunteer 'Ropeholders'
ROPE: Targeted giving for sustainable circumstance improvement, (hand up rather than hand out).
ROPE: A simple and effective way of working, proven through more than a decade of testimonies.
Practical help for widows, orphans, refugees, the sick, homeless, and unemployed
Inspiring a deeper concern for the poor.
