Recently, the Lord laid it on my heart to raise support for widows and families that are struggling. Knowing how tough things are in this economy, no one need to be told about the pain and hardship in our country.

Before now, it was the lazy that were poor but now, those gainfully employed and earning some money are not different from those that jobless because their purchasing power has reduced due to inflation.

The stampedes across the nation during food distribution initiatives by some kind hearted people and churches is a pointer to one thing- there is hunger in the land.

I have read how people quickly blamed the organizers for not being organized. They didn't listen to their side of the story. One of them said, "The stampede occured even before we started the programme not during the programme"( paraphrase). That alone tells you that the number of hungry people in the land is overwhelming. The system has failed.

From time immemorial, one of those God have a soft spot for are poor people. The bible(Prov14:21) says, "Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but BLESSED IS HE WHO IS GENEROUS TO THE POOR"( ESV).

As believers, helping the poor is not optional, it is a command not a suggestion. Deuteronomy 15:11 says, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I COMMAND YOU, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land"( ESV).

Under the old covenant, God's concern for the poor was captured in the Mosaic tithing system. A portion of the tithe knowns as  'Justice Tithe' was dedicated for the poor. You can read that in Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-15.

One of the songs we sing in church talks about laying treasures in heaven. I read in my bible that one of the ways to lay treasures in heaven is to show concern for the poor. Jesus himself said it in Matthew 19:21.

"Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and GIVE TO THE POOR, AND YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; and come, follow me”( ESV)

Today is boxing day, as you plan to give gifts to friends and families, prepare a box of gift for the poor around you. It could be raw food, money or other items they might need.