Topic: Be a True Believer [Joyce Meyer Devotional 9 November 2020]

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“For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”— Psalm 12:5 (NKJV)

Since the Bible contains more than two thousand scriptures about our responsibility to help the poor and needy, God must be trying to get a message across to us: It’s critically important for us to be involved in helping widows, orphans, and people who are poor, needy, oppressed, or afflicted.

When people are oppressed, they have a burden that is unreasonable; it overwhelms, overpowers, and depresses them, often causing them to lose hope. All through His Word, we see how God is a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (see Psalm 68:5). He seems to have a special place in His heart for people who are lonely and have no one to take care of them, and so should we.

James 1:27 says that true religion that is expressed through outward acts is to “visit and help and care for the widows and orphans in their affliction.” This means, if our religion is real, we will get involved in helping those who are oppressed by life’s circumstances. If we aren’t doing this in some way, we’re not accurately reflecting Christ.

Now don’t get me wrong: Following rules, regulations, and doctrines does not make one a true believer in Jesus, but I do believe that when we receive Him as Savior, we also receive the heart of God and His Spirit comes to dwell in us. This means that we have to learn to care about what God cares about—and He cares about helping hurting people.

What are you personally doing for the poor, the needy, and the oppressed in your community?

Prayer Starter: Father, please show me how I can be actively involved in helping hurting people right now. Thank You for helping me love people the way You love people. In Jesus’ name, amen.