Read: James 1:9-11

One obvious source of hardship involves the lack of money. Those without money may think the wealthy have it made. But James says no. In God's eyes, the poor are the blessed ones - Jesus says this in the famous sermon on the mount.

Elsewhere, Jesus says it is hard for a rich man to get to heaven. The problem is not the money, but the hording of money when others are needing help.

In James' Church, some of the people who are poor became poor because they were quick to sell what they had to give to people who needed help. Acts 2 tells us this is common practice in the early Church community, so much so, that being Christian and being poor became synonmous.

In such times, the only way to stay rich - very rich, is to ignore the suffering people around. These people choose to embrace their money than Jesus instructions and example to love him by loving people, will one day find out that their money does not amount to much from the viewpoint of eternity. They traded their love of money for loving God. They will be forgotten.

People who have shared their wealth, even if they become poor in this life, they will gain life in Christ. Even though life is hard now, but James tells them to focus on the big picture of eternity.

Write
Think about your faith story: how have you tried to love as Jesus loves, and are sharing what you have with people who have needs?

What commitments do you currently have in helping the poor?

What kind of poverty exists in your neighbourhood? Where are the poor people around you?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your experience and desire to share your wealth with people who need it.

Talk to God about commitments you like to make to regular give to the poor.

Pray that God will lead you to the people with needs around you, and that he will give you wisdom to know how you can help.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy from loving like Jesus loves, sharing what you have with people who need help and making a difference in their lives.