What is Poverty?

from Footnotable Hosted by FBC Baton Rouge

How we think about poverty matters. Most define it in terms of material resources. However, the Bible helps us understand and address the heart of the matter. Turns out, we're all poor. In their four-part series on poverty, Pastors Oren and Dave take a look at an issue that impacts every one of us. Follow us on social media YouTube Facebook Instagram Full Show Notes: What comes to mind when you hear the word poverty? How is it typically defined? Poverty is most often defined in terms of a lack of material resources. Poverty in the words of the poor. (quotes from When Helping Hurts pg. 50) No one needs us. We are like garbage. . . Powerless and unheard. . . How does the Bible help us define and understand poverty? Broken relationships God - our primary relationship Self - image of God Others - we are not islands Creation - our cultural mandate (Gen. 1:28-30) “Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings.” Based on this understanding of poverty, we must understand that it is a gospel issue at its heart. The answer to the brokenness of poverty is Jesus.