This puts a different light on the subject. The poor consider
this a rich man’s world. Satan has dominated them with poverty
and suppression of all kinds. When you realize that Satan is
behind their oppression, you will see their need for the power
of God in their lives. Then you won’t be afraid to obligate them
to the gospel when you give material things to them. Whenever
I give in this way, I always explain what the Word says and tell
them about Jesus. I let them know that Jesus is my source of
supply and is willing to be theirs. Show them that they, too, can
become God’s channel in the earth to someone else. You see,
you can feed a thief all day long, but all you will have is a thief
full of food. The food won’t change him, but the Word of God
will transform him on the inside. If you give to the poor in the
proper way, then you can witness to them and introduce them
to the power of God. I never give to the poor without telling
them about Jesus. If they are to get my material goods, they will
first have to listen to what I have to say about Jesus.
Jesus taught about giving alms, which is giving to the poor.
Evidently, Jesus was well-known for giving to the poor from the
scriptural accounts of His ministry. In the Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus taught about giving alms. He said, “Let not thy left
hand know what thy right hand doeth” (Matthew 6:3). You can
get more fun out of giving to someone anonymously! It is a joy
you will never get from anything else, and the next verse says,
“And thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee
openly.” HE HIMSELF shall reward you. Praise the Lord for His
generous propositions!
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
