Caring for the Vulnerable

We are called to be generous givers.

James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James, the brother of Christ, says pure religion is demonstrated in caring for those who can’t care for themselves. He couples this with living unpolluted by the world. Now, both of those statements have significant financial implications. The first involves generosity, which requires sacrifices on our part to help meet the needs of others. Giving first, as the Lord commands, protects us from first spending on our wants. Giving shifts the focus off ourselves and onto Him and His kingdom. Jesus said it is better to give than to receive. It’s a matter of reprogramming our minds from “I deserve this” to “They need it, and I’ll help provide it.”

The second principle James emphasizes is protection from being stained by the world. Wisely managing the resources God entrusts to us requires prioritizing His financial principles. This enables us to reject greed and materialism. In chapter 3, James says that the deeds done in humility reflect a wise and understanding heart. We give to glorify God – not ourselves. We support church programs and organizations that care for the vulnerable. Consider directly helping those in need. You’ll set an example for others – and help those who may never be able to thank you this side of heaven, and if credit card debt is keeping you from being more generous, Christian Credit Counselors can create a debt management plan that will work for you. For more information, visit online at crown.org/ccc.