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Galatians 2:10 (ESV) “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”
When Paul came back to Jerusalem after his conversion, the disciples cautiously welcomed him. After a short time, they realized that he had been called to preach the gospel to the gentiles, and they encouraged him in that call. And he states that the only thing they asked of him was that he remember the poor. The disciples obviously thought that it was important to do this, as they themselves had chosen seven Godly men to oversee the distribution of food to the poor in Jerusalem as mentioned in Acts 6:1-7. Interestingly, it is this mention of taking care of the poor that Paul shares with the Galatians in his retelling of the story. And Paul tells them that he had been eager to comply, as he had a heart for all of God’s people everywhere.

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James 2:5 (ESV) “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”
    Another important verse about taking care of the poor is found here in the book of James. This whole passage is about not showing partiality or discriminating against those that are poor. We should not give preferential treatment to the rich, because the apostle James reminds us that generally it is even the wealthy that take others to court or that cause problems. Obviously, the author is especially focusing on how Christians should treat others, as everyone deserves to be loved and respected in the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, James suggests that God has actually chosen those who are worldly poor to be rich in faith and in the Kingdom if they love Him. So we need to be sure to be kind and compassionate to all—not looking at their bank accounts or worldly possessions.
      Taking care of others, and especially taking care of those less fortunate, has always been a part of God’s plan. He is always our protector and provider, but he also calls all of humanity, and especially Christians, to serve and take care of the poor. He knows that as we take our focus off of ourselves and we think about others, that we in turn are tremendously blessed. Keeping our priorities straight, will lead us to peace, abundance and joy in our walk through life.