“You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.” James 5:5–6
Sometimes poor people have no one to defend them. They might not have many friends, or if they do have friends, those friends are poor, too. Usually those who are poor don’t have anyone on their side who is powerful, except God. But he is as powerful as they get.
One of the things that makes God very angry is rich people who prey on, abuse, and mistreat weak people. Like James says, they can’t resist it. Those who lack power are easy targets. Why do you think God hates it so much when the rich oppress the poor?
One of the reasons why God hates the abuse of the weak is that it reeks of selfishness. God hates selfishness. He wants us to be consumed with him. He knows that our only joy will come from seeing, loving, and following him. When we are consumed with self, we do whatever we want.
This kind of attitude is the kind of attitude that sends people to hell. It implies that we think we are the greatest thing in the universe, when we are not. God is. He will have no rivals.
How we treat the poor says a lot about what we think of God. Do we think we are God or that God is God? If we are merciful to the poor, we understand that being selfish is a horrible way to live. We understand that God is God and we are not.
We ought to help the poor in light of how much God has helped us.
Read
“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?”
Isaiah 58:6
- What do you learn here about God’s heart and desires?
- What will be some of the results for us when we align ourselves with God’s desires?
- How can you work to make this happen in your life right where you live today?
Pray
Father, may we never abuse the poor. May we always see in the poor an opportunity to show the grace that you showed us. Help us to run hard after you in this way. Since you ran to us, let us run to those who are in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the James Study Guide. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes a 15-week curriculum, a small group study, a group inductive study, as well as 75 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
