15 Reasons you MUST serve the poor

Here are 15 reasons that serving the poor is non-negotiable.

From our first parents to today, humanity has gotten in big trouble when we fail to simply do what God wants, “on earth as it is in heaven.” So reasons to serve include:

Because God has been begging us to serve the poor for millennia.

The Catechism points out that Tobit and Sirach both include versions of words Jesus Christ made his own: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none and he who has food must do likewise” (Luke 3:11)

Because God said to give like him.

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)

Because it makes God pleased with us.

The Letter to the Hebrews says: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (13:16)

Maybe the poor are in difficult circumstances because they made big mistakes, sinning or even breaking the law. (Maybe we've made big mistakes too, but just got lucky.) Regardless, those who serve the poor say true happiness comes when you stop asking “why are they poor?” and just serve …

Because they deserve it …

“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,” said St. Paul (Philippians 2:3).

… even if they are your enemies.

“Love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great,” Jesus said (Luke 6:35).

Because you are serving Christ himself.

Jesus says at the judgment he will say “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

We all want to be “the best version of ourselves.” Well, the best version of yourself is the one who serves the poor:

Because the only leadership God recognizes is service.

^“The greatest among you must be your servant,” Jesus said (Matthew 23:11). After all,  “Even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve.” Matthew 20:28

Because you want to avoid a significant sin …

The Catechism 1867 tells us “There are sins that cry out to heaven” including  “the cry of the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan, injustice to the wage earner.”

… or because you want to atone for past sins.

Jesus said, “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you” (Luke 11:41). St. Peter in his first letter doubled down on that, saying, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because charity covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Catholic identity is important. The Rosary, Ash Wednesday ashes, and the crucifix mark us out as Catholics. So does serving the poor:

Because it is our tradition from St. Francis to Mother Teresa to you.

The Catechism says that “The Church’s love for the poor ... is a part of her constant tradition.” (2444)

Because religion is useless without service.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world,” said St. James (1:27).

Because it is the best evangelizations.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven,” Jesus said (Matthew 5:16).

The three theological virtues are the difference between having  a relationship with God or having none. So serve the poor:

Because faith is useless without service.

“Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead,” said St. James (2:17).

Because hope is impossible without giving.

As the Catechism puts it: “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them.” (2443)

Because love is impossible without service.

St. John asks, “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17)

So, check your parish bulletin, your diocesan website, the Catholic Charities in your area — or knock on your shut-in neighbor’s door. 

Find an opportunity and get started. It is the most important thing you have to do.