“Within Your Means, Care For Those Who Are In Need!”

“Within Your Means, Care For Those Who Are In Need!”
The commonest riddle which we learned around the fireside is the simple nostalgic expression, “Ehh Mm!” The answers include, widow, orphan, princess, foreigner etc. Each of these persons laments being treated like underdogs because of their circumstances!
Even in these modern times it is quite a difficulty to settle in another country. Recent happenings in South Africa is a proof of this.
The treatment meted out to widows in most African communities are still inhumane! Widowers are not subject to the same kind of harsh treatment which widows receive. It is enough that widows and orphans already suffer the loss of dear breadwinners, but to disenfranchise them is ungodly!
In some communities when a crime is committed the first suspect is any foriegner who is in the community.
God told Israel of old, just as he is telling us today: “Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember when you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this…”
To ensure that the above three categories of people had food and fruits, the people were asked not to harvest everything from the farm, but to leave the remains to the alien, the fatherless and the widow(Deut.24:17-22).
Indeed, no condition is permanent! Just as God raises from grass to grace, so too he deposes from grace to disgrace.
Do not use your authority, power, wealth and influence to maltreat, humiliate and impoverish the less fortunate! God is on the side of the marginalised and oppressed.
My friend, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, like all marginalised people are still the image of God; just like you aand I! Treat them fairly because “nobody knows tomorrow!” And what goes around has a way of coming around! Above all, treat them fairly because God says, “…I comnand you to do this!
Prayer: Holy Spirit strengthen me so that I should always ensure justice and equity for everybody and to help the needy around me. Amen!
Welcome back to work. We wish you a blessed day and week! According to your means be a blessing to that person who needs your help today! Peace be with you!