Far from simple, poverty is multidimensional in its symptoms, multivariate in its cause,
dynamic in its trajectory, and quite complex in its relation to health.1 In each city, state, and
country, poverty is all around the world. Of all the people suffering from poverty, many would
agree that children suffer the most. Children do not choose to be born into poverty, and they are
too young to make decisions that affect family dynamics. According to one source, about twenty-
one percent of all children live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, a
measurement that has been shown to underestimate the needs of families.2 When there is poverty,
hunger and chronic malnutrition often result from it. As Christians, especially public health
professionals, we are to help people who are in poverty and those who need basic nutrition in
order to stay alive.
As Christians, we should first respond to global poverty and hunger with compassion.
Having true compassion for the needy, as modeled by Jesus, means we are aware of the need, we
care about the people involved, and we are ready to act on their behalf. According to 1 John 3:17,
having compassion on a needy brother is proof of the love of God within us. Secondly, we
should respond to poverty and hunger with action. Even though prayer is powerful and every
Christian should do it, we also should do all we can to alleviate the suffering caused by poverty
and hunger. Believers who selflessly give to the poor will be blessed by God. “He that hath pity
upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again”
(Proverbs 19:17, KJV). Giving to the poor is an eternal investment – divine blessings that are
spiritual rather than material.
There are several Christian relief organizations that work not only to combat global or
local poverty and hunger but also help to share the gospel of Christ all over the world. For
example, Compassion International is such a group that strives to meet the needs, both physical
and spiritual, of the total person. Lastly, as Christians, we should respond to poverty and hunger
with hope. According to Psalm 140:12, believers can act on behalf of the poor with the
confidence that they are helping further God’s work on earth. Also, believers labor with the hope
that one day Jesus will return. Until that day of ultimate equity, Jesus reminds us that the poor
will always be among us. That being the case, we have unlimited opportunities, and the urgent
obligation, to serve the Lord by serving others.
References
1. Mowafi M, Khawaja M. Poverty. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 2005;
59(4):260-264. Accessed July 8, 2020.
