He said prefer one another............ James gave the example of a brother or sister that was in need of food. The Household of faith must come before the rest of the poor.
if we took care of the family of god as he instructed us [none lacking] then the poor would come to us
There is a reason the unsaved are poor. They do not know God. unless directed by the Lord, I never give to the unsaved. I can not support rebellion, and enable someone to continue to live as they wish. They want to eat, they want their bills paid, they want their kids taken care of, but they don't want Our Jesus. These continue to take advantage of Church programs, but they refuse to change.
Just because your poor and hungry is no indication your entitled to anything, but the Word of God.
I came out of prison and had to say in two homeless shelters. I preached to these men. Some find God, start giving what they have and God blesses them to the point they no longer have to stay in a homeless shelter. Others just hear, and continue to disobey.
I just bought my first house today, it was only 140,000 and on 3 acres in a wonderful wooded area. It comes with a boat dock to Taneycomo lake Branson Mo. Home of World tournament bass fishing. I have been believing God for 3 years for something like this and when I started out, it looked impossible for someone like me. Not anymore, but it took 3 years of confessing and giving to be able to receive something like this. Remember, I started off in a homeless shelter, so my thinking has been poverty minded, and the Word of God will change that. God moved mightily on my behalf because all other houses this size in this area are starting at 200,000 and up. With lake access?? 300,000 to 400,000.
God is awesome.
Jesus Is Lord.