Jehovah God cares for the poor. (See the box entitled “How Does God View the Poor?”) He has lovingly made provision to help others like Tukiso and Maseiso to learn more about him. And in his Word, he has provided practical advice for day-to-day living.

A Fine Provision

Jehovah’s Witnesses have always tried to reflect God’s concern for the poor. (Galatians 2:10) Often when disaster strikes a land and true Christians are affected, arrangements are made for necessary help to be given. More important, the Witnesses show concern for the spiritual needs of all, including the poor. (Matthew 9:36-38) During the past 60 years, thousands of trained ministers have volunteered to serve as missionaries in foreign lands. For example, it was a missionary couple from Finland who by learning the Sesotho language were able to teach Tukiso and Maseiso to become disciples of Jesus. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Such missionary work often involves sacrificing a comfortable life in an affluent country and moving to a poor land.

Stealing to survive is not an option for true Christians. Instead, they have faith in Jehovah God’s ability to provide. (Hebrews 13:5, 6) One way that Jehovah provides for his people is through the worldwide organization of his worshipers, who care for one another.

Another way that Jehovah helps the poor is by giving them practical advice on daily living. For example, the Bible commands: “Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need.” (Ephesians 4:28) Many unemployed people have been able to create jobs for themselves, doing hard work, such as planting and caring for a vegetable garden. The Bible also helps poor people to save money by teaching them to avoid bad habits, such as the abuse of alcohol.​—Ephesians 5:18.

[Box/Pictures on page 6, 7]

HOW DOES GOD VIEW THE POOR?

The Bible describes the Creator of mankind as “the One giving bread to the hungry ones.” (Psalm 146:7) It contains over one hundred verses that highlight God’s concern for the poor.

For instance, when Jehovah gave his Law to the ancient nation of Israel, he commanded Israelite farmers not to harvest the edges of their fields completely. They were not to collect leftover fruit by going over an olive tree or a vine a second time. These laws were a loving provision for aliens, orphans, widows, and other afflicted ones.​—Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 24:19-21.

Moreover, God commanded the Israelites: “You people must not afflict any widow or fatherless boy. If you should afflict him at all, then if he cries out to me at all, I shall unfailingly hear his outcry; and my anger will indeed blaze, and I shall certainly kill you with the sword, and your wives must become widows and your sons fatherless boys.” (Exodus 22:22-24) Sadly, many wealthy Israelites ignored those words. For this and other wrongdoing, Jehovah God gave the Israelites various warnings through his prophets. (Isaiah 10:1, 2; Jeremiah 5:28; Amos 4:1-3) Eventually, God caused the Assyrians and later the Babylonians to conquer Israelite territory. Many Israelites were killed, and the survivors were taken captive to foreign lands.

God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ, reflected his Father’s loving concern for the poor. Explaining the purpose of his ministry, Jesus said: “Jehovah’s spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18) This does not mean that Jesus limited his ministry to the poor. He lovingly helped rich people too. However, when doing so, Jesus often expressed his concern for the poor. For example, he gave this advice to one rich ruler: “Sell all the things you have and distribute to poor people, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come be my follower.”​—Luke 14:1, 12-14; 18:18, 22; 19:1-10.

Jehovah God and his Son care deeply about the poor. (Mark 12:41-44; James 2:1-6) Reflecting his concern for the poor, Jehovah holds within his memory millions of poor people who have died. All such ones will be resurrected into a new world free from poverty.​—Acts 24:15.