Poor & Needy

I've felt the need lately to feel more compassion for the needy. With that hope I've studied the phrase "poor and needy" from the scriptures Elder Bednar style.

I learned many lessons about caring for the poor and needy; here I'm going to include the top 5.

    5. It is not only a modern, but an ancient emphasized command
       30 times in Old Testament; Deut. 15:7-11 a beautiful example

    4. A top priority of Jesus in mortal ministry
        a doctrine he lived and taught (i.e. sheep/goats, Good Samaritan, Matt. 22:36-40)

    3. I must see myself as poor and needy before God
      many Psalms, Alma 34:17-27, Mosiah 4:17-18

    2. Must not harden my heart in this matter, don't let my heart faint
       Deut. 15:7-11, D&C 124:75, Pres. Eyring

And the point that impacted me most:

    1. I am not a disciple of Christ if I don't help the poor
      D&C 52:40, Alma 34:28, D&C 42:29, Jer. 22:18, D&C 104:18, D&C 105:2-3


Other great helps from:
 Pres. Romney,
 Bishop Burton,
 Pres. Eyring,
 recent section on welfare in Ensign magazine (last 7 articles on this page)


I'll end with some food for thought from Bishop Burton:

The purpose, promises, and principles that reinforce our work of caring for the poor and needy extend far beyond the bounds of mortality. This sacred work is not only to benefit and bless those who suffer or are in need. As sons and daughters of God, we cannot inherit the full measure of eternal life without being fully invested in caring for each other while we are here on earth. It is in the benevolent practice of sacrifice and giving of ourselves to others that we learn the celestial principles of sacrifice and consecration.