Psalm 41:1 (NKJV)
Blessed is he who considers the poor; the LORD will deliver him in times of trouble.
It is good to consider the poor. God does. As imitators of God (Eph. 5:1), we should mimic this wonderful character trait. Who are “the poor”? It could simply apply to those who lack; whether it be food, shelter, clothes, or money. But in this context it definitely applies to one who is helpless or weak, regardless of the reason why. When given the opportunity, do you ignore the poor or embrace them?
When one “considers” the poor this means they are generous. They trust that God will continue to provide for them as they use their time and resources to help those in need. One who considers the poor does not do so with the mindset that it will be reciprocal. Imagine trying to pay God back for giving His Son, Jesus, to die an excruciating death on the cross for our sins (Is. 52:14)! This is an impossible task; an act that has no reciprocal match. One who considers the poor does so with a humble spirit. They do not announce their acts of kindness with the blowing of a trumpet like the Pharisees did (Matt. 6:2). These examples represents one who truly considers the poor.
What are the benefits to considering the poor? The primary benefit is that the poor will now have a better life, at least temporarily. But there are benefits to the one that considers the poor as well. Psalm 41:1-3 (NKJV) lists these benefits:
• The LORD will deliver him in times of trouble
• The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive
• He will be blessed on earth
• (The LORD) will not deliver him to the will of his enemies
• The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of sickness
• (The LORD) will sustain (restore) him on his sickbed
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV). We should not spend our time trying to keep His commandments to prove we love Him. No! We should simply love Jesus. In doing so, we will automatically keep His commandments. Yes, there are rewards for considering the poor. However, if we do so only to receive benefits, we have missed the point entirely and have used the poor for our selfish gain. To consider the poor is a matter of the heart. May we be an example to others; may we mirror the love God has for us when we consider the poor.
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
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