Give to the poor

Jesus met a young man who had not murdered anyone, did not steal, had not committed adultery, had not been a false witness, honored his father and mother, and loved his neighbor as himself. This man thought that he was perfect, but there was one thing that was missing. Jesus said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

“Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23-24)

When we die, we leave behind all earthly possessions. Nothing comes with us. But during our life, there are many that will cherish their possessions. Riches are a distraction from God. We have many that are in need and yet we would rather give to a foundation or an organization rather than help our neighbor. When we see the poor on the street asking for help and we do not help them, we are not loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus said for us to ask and it shall be given. Our homeless are asking us for help and yet we pass them by. They are not stealing from us, but instead are doing the noble thing which is to ask with a sign or sometimes merely their presence. Some will refuse to give them water to drink.