Read: James 5:1-6

In James' world, where most people struggle under the weight of oppressive poverty, "rich Christian" is an oxymoron.

The only way for Christian to be rich in that society, he would have to turn a blind eye to the suffering people around him - something far from how Jesus lived. The genuine-ness of his "faith", and the sincerity of his commitment to follow Jesus' teaching and Jesus' way of life are in question.

James cites the evidence of such heartless behaviour. While they walk amoung needy people shivering in the cold, they have closets full of extra clothing which are just feeding moths. They ignore beggars asking for alms, though they have lock boxes full of rusting gold and silver. Every evening as they dress for a night out, they don't think about the day labourers they have neglected to pay for their day's work, pay that the workers rely on for their families' evening meal.

But God has heard the cries of the oppressed and overlooked - and the rich will be held accountable for the way they have failed to help the poor. When Judgment comes, the rich will be like the day when the butcher cuts up a fresh animal. But instead of the rich feasting off the fresh meat, they will be the animal being feasted off. And on that day, every person they have treated unjustly will get their pay back.

It is just not possible to follow Jesus, and ignore needy people at the same time. The two ways of life are incompatible.

Write
Think about your faith story: when have you grapple with your wealth in the midst of the poverty around the city?

Where do you see poverty around you? How do you typically respond when you encounter a panhandler or a person in need? Who are some individuals or organizations who regularly appeal to you for help?

Do you know anyone who struggles to make ends meet?

Do you have a budget and a strategy for helping people escape poverty?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about the poverty you are aware of around you. Tell God how you feel, the struggles you have with knowing how to respond.

Ask God how you can help with the needs you see around you, and your friend who may be struggling financially. Grapple with how much of your wealth you are prepare to share with others who need it.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you share what you have with others who need help, as you emulate Jesus' compassion and generosity, and as you help save someone from poverty.