Assisting the poor and needy

The Book of Mormon is abundantly clear about what are attitude should be toward the poor and those in need. Disciples of Christ are anxious to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit and provide relief to the suffering and afflicted, never considering themselves above or better than those less fortunate than themselves. Whenever the church is established among the people, the members love one another, serve one another, and in the very best of times share all things in common so that there are no poor among them. On the other hand, whenever the people are lifted up in pride, they despise the poor. In the worst of times they even cast them out.

Jacob teaches his people to give willingly, but that the pursuit of riches is a good thing provided that the intent is to do good. “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:17-19)

In another period, King Benjamin explains that we are all beggars, in the spiritual sense, being indebted to God for our very lives and every blessing that we enjoy. Therefore the people of the church must “administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish” (Mosiah 4:16). He warns against the attitude that the beggar has “... brought upon himself his misery” (Mosiah 4:17). He pleads with his people to love and serve one another, explaining that  “... when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).

Later, Alma tells the people of the church to give willingly “every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given” (Mosiah 18:27). He tells them that this should be done of their own free will, out of the desire to do good and to relieve the suffering of “every needy, naked soul” (Mosiah 18:28). The people served one another regardless of their place in the society, “having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need” (Alma 1:30).

At yet another time, all the people of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites were “converted unto the Lord” (4 Ne 1). “And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift” (4 Ne 3). There is nothing in the book that steps away from these principles, nor does it teach anything but to love and serve the poor with all our hearts.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christs of Latter-day Saints are asked to fast at least once per month, foregoing food for two meals (or 24 hours) and donating the money saved to assist the poor. Thus people of all income levels are able to contribute and participate. These donations are called fast offerings. Those who have been blessed with a greater portion of wealth are encouraged to give generously beyond the cost of two meals as their circumstances allow.

As a financial auditor in the local congregations of the church I see first hand how these offerings benefit those who, for whatever reason, are unable to provide the necessities of life to themselves and to their families. Without the assistance of these fast offerings (distributed freely without stipulation by the bishops of the congregations) these, our brothers and sisters, would need to choose between food, warmth, and shelter.

As I walk the streets of Manhattan each week when I travel to work, I observe great need and suffering. I know that those begging on the street corners represent the tip of the iceburg, so to speak, of individuals and families with food and shelter insecurity. Among the (too small) number of wonderful organizations that assist the poor in New York, City Harvest is one that salvages a portion of the vast excess food that would otherwise go to waste. By donating to this organization, I believe each dollar goes a long way in helping New Yorkers who may be struggling to make ends meet. These are our brothers and sisters who need help.

One of my greatest joys is to assist the poor by making a generous fast offering to the church, as our families circumstances allow. It is a way to show gratitude to our Heavenly Father who has blessed us so richly. As I read the Book of Mormon, I experience great joy knowing that we are following the will of the Lord in this matter. In this way I strive to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.