We had a discussion about giving to the poor as many Christians tend to do. Our small group had a big argument on who qualifies as "the poor". Some said it is anyone in need, others said is only believers who are struggling, and then some picked places in the middle to stand.

Basically we were just all giving our opinions and had to solid ground to stand on. Can you present a clear description based on the thought out doctrines of existing protestant theology on who "the poor" are to whom we are called to give?

We had a discussion about giving to the poor as many Christians tend to do. Our small group had a big argument on who qualifies as "the poor". Some said it is anyone in need, others said is only believers who are struggling, and then some picked places in the middle to stand.

Basically we were just all giving our opinions and had to solid ground to stand on.

Sometimes I feel like the whole idea isn't about the poor, but rather me. That by giving I show care for others, I trust God to care for me, I show others God cares for them, that I'm not attached to material things or making an idol out of them by hoarding, etc. Are there any details on "the poor" in the old testament? I ask because, if the bible doesn't focus on who the poor are or try to qualify them, then maybe I shouldn't either.

Maybe there is something back in the Pentateuch which I have not read all of. Do you know any Old Testament passages that help define who the poor are?

Is there any Jewish oral history that relates to this topic?

We had a discussion about giving to the poor as many Christians tend to do. Our small group had a big argument on who qualifies as "the poor". Some said it is anyone in need, others said is only believers who are struggling, and then some picked places in the middle to stand.

Basically we were just all giving our opinions and had to solid ground to stand on. Can you present a clear description based on the thought out doctrines of existing protestant theology on who "the poor" are of which we are called to give to?

We had a discussion about giving to the poor as many Christians tend to do. Our small group had a big argument on who qualifies as "the poor". Some said it is anyone in need, others said is only believers who are struggling, and then some picked places in the middle to stand.

Basically we were just all giving our opinions and had to solid ground to stand on. Can you present a clear description based on the thought out doctrines of existing protestant theology on who "the poor" are to whom we are called to give?