Why True Christians Must Help the Poor | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Of the Obligation of Christians to Perform the Duty of Charity to the Poor by Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards argues that providing charity to the poor is a fundamental and frequently commanded Christian duty in both the Old and New Testaments. He explains that acts of mercy are essential to true religion and weigh heavier than mere outward ordinances of worship. Edwards asserts that humanity's shared nature makes it reasonable and necessary to assist one another, as a selfish spirit contradicts the very design of human society.The gospel provides the ultimate motivation for this duty, as Christians are called to reflect Christ, who freely became poor and gave his life to enrich humanity. Believers must recognize they are merely stewards of God's possessions; therefore, hoarding wealth while neighbors suffer is equivalent to embezzling the Master's goods. Furthermore, Edwards emphasizes that whatever is given to the needy is received by Christ himself, and neglecting this duty brings spiritual guilt and divine judgment upon the soul.Edwards also outlines significant spiritual and temporal rewards for the charitable. He compares giving to sowing seed, arguing that provision cast upon the waters will return with divine increase, laying up eternal treasures in heaven and securing providential blessings on earth. In times of future adversity, God promises to protect those who previously showed mercy to others.Finally, Edwards dismantles common objections to giving. He insists that believers must not wait for a neighbor to reach extreme distress before offering aid, nor should they wait to be asked. Christians are bound to help strangers, enemies, individuals who caused their own poverty through poor choices, and even those who might receive some aid from local town laws. Ultimately, giving requires trusting God's promises rather than clinging fearfully to personal wealth.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730