God’s care has ever been devoted in a special way to the poor. Often poverty results from a lack of thrift, foresight, diligence, or skill. Again, there are times when it is accidental and unavoidable. But whatever the cause, God looks with pity upon all who are in need and has commissioned His people to provide for them according to their needs. Some, unable to work, are in need of an outright gift and will use it wisely. Others are able and willing to work and should be given an opportunity to do so. Gleaning is not easy, and at times its results are meager. But it is preferable to provide most people with work to do than to present them with an outright gift. It is detrimental to one’s self-respect to receive something for nothing, except in cases of genuine need. Giving people work to do accomplishes several things, both for the giver and for the receiver. It helps the giver to develop a liberal spirit, and often places him in the position of helping God answer prayer. The receiver is also helped; it leads himto give thanks to God and to appreciate those who provide him an opportunity to help himself. It tends to create the spirit of brotherhood.