One thing COVID has done is increase the gap between the wealthy and poor. Most of the jobs that were lost were the low-paying ones that the poor often hold. With most of these businesses closed, workers were furloughed, or worse, the business closed, and the job was lost forever. The Bible is clear that the church is to seek the good and take care of the poor.
Amos 5:14
“Seek good and not evil, that you may live; And thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, Just as you have said!”
A Sad State of Affairs
The poor were being oppressed in Israel. They were forcing them to pay taxes while the rich had houses made of stone in which they didn’t even live. The poor were being denied justice, and the prudent were remaining quiet through it all. Israel was in a sad state and far from what God commanded them to be when He brought them into the promised land. Amos, the prophet who God had to bring out of the pasture from shepherding, warned them to get back to doing the right thing.
Lack of Regard
There is a reason Jesus said that it was harder for a rich man to get into heaven than a camel going through the eye of a needle. Rich people will often abuse the helpless to keep their place. The lack of regard for those who are struggling can be mind-boggling. God sees through this and demands that those who have been given much to take care of those struggling.
Seek the Good
The actual warning in this passage is to stop doing evil and do some good so that they may live. God looks out for the poor, and he deals with those who ignore them. If you are poor, be comforted that God sees your plight. If you have been blessed with wealth, God expects you to advocate for those who are struggling.