What does the Bible say about helping the poor?A Scripture-grounded answer about what does the bible say about helping the poor

The Bible contains over 2,000 verses about the poor and God's concern for them. Proverbs 19:17 says whoever is generous to the poor 'lends to the Lord.' Jesus identified with the poor so completely that he said caring for them is caring for him (Matthew 25:40). The early church shared possessions so that 'there was not a needy person among them' (Acts 4:34). Helping the poor is not optional charity in Scripture — it is a defining mark of genuine faith.