James 2:2-4 (MSG) “If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, "Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!" and either ignore the street person or say, "Better sit here in the back row," haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted?”

It is very easy to treat people based on their status or appearance. But today’s reading admonishes us to treat people well whether they are poor or rich. It is very easy to discriminate against the poor since their appearance or body odour normally gives them away.

Here are three reasons why we should not maltreat the poor:

1. God will fight for the poor. In Psalms 12:5 (NLT), my Bible says,

“The Lord replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do."

God says that, if the needy sighs or cries, He will arise and fight for him.

2. God punishes those who maltreat the poor. Do not mock the poor just because he is poor. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:5 (KJV) that,

“Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at the calamities shall not be unpunished”.

Do not rejoice or be glad when troubles befall people, especially the poor. This is a great sin in the sight of God.

3. It brings a curse. King Solomon says in Proverbs 28:27 (KJV),

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse”.

The Bible is saying, if you have pity on the poor you will be blessed, and you will not lack.

Precious one, may we never bring the wrath of the Lord upon ourselves, by discriminating against the poor and maltreating them. May we walk in the blessing of the Lord, as we relieve the poor.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let no action of mine cause me to maltreat the poor, in Jesus’ name. Amen