'There is no blessing connected to blessing the poor,' says Pastor Henderson, causing an uproar

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Pastor Keion Henderson, known for his dynamic preaching style and leadership of The Lighthouse Church, has come under fire for recent remarks he made about charitable giving. In a sermon that has sparked a wave of backlash on social media, Henderson stated that there is "no blessing connected" to giving to the poor.

For those who may not know, Pastor Henderson is married to Shaunie Henderson, formerly Shaunie O'neal.

Photo byInstagram

In a video clip that has circulated widely online, Henderson can be heard saying, “Here’s the other problem with the church. Anytime a person is in need ya’ll go to running and dropping money. But let me tell you something, the poor will be with you always and there is no blessing connected to blessing the poor, other than getting back what you gave to them — but no multiplication."

Henderson went on to explain that in his view, the act of giving to the poor does not yield a spiritual or material return for the giver. "Multiplication is segregated for tithes and offering," he stated. "When you give to the poor, the only thing you do is help them but you don’t help yourself. So when you give a dollar to somebody on the street talking about ‘but I did my job,’ God like ‘thank you, but it ain’t gonna help you.’ Charity does not bring wealth, only the tithe does that."

These statements quickly drew criticism, with many people taking to social media to voice their disagreement. In the comments of The Neighborhood Talk’s Instagram post featuring Henderson's sermon, users shared their thoughts on the issue.

One commenter wrote, "Helping others is NOT supposed to help YOU! You are helping someone else who is unable to return the favor. That’s the blessing." This sentiment, echoed by many, reflects a widespread belief that charity and compassion are about selflessness, not personal gain.

Another person added, “You don’t tithe to be blessed. Further, you give to the poor out of obedience to and love for God, who also loved the least of these – not because you get something out of doing so. This is why celebrity Christianity will never work.” The criticism of what some are calling "celebrity Christianity" has sparked larger conversations about how religious figures, particularly those with large followings, frame the principles of faith.

A third commenter responded with a pointed remark: “He needs to be quiet before the boys start telling on him,” hinting at potential controversies brewing around Henderson’s leadership.

Another commenter passionately disagreed with Henderson's take. She wrote, “That’s a fool lie!!! I’m a true testimony that giving money to the poor/those in need and God keeps blessing me financially. Multiple times over after, and on more than one occasion!”

For many Alabama residents, faith and charity are deeply intertwined, with communities historically leaning on one another in times of need. The belief that helping the less fortunate is a form of worship and service to God is widely held in the South, where churches and religious organizations often lead community outreach efforts. Pastor Henderson's comments seem to challenge this notion, raising questions about the role of charity in spiritual life.

As the debate over Henderson’s sermon continues, one thing is clear: the conversation has struck a chord, igniting a broader discussion about the true purpose of giving and how religious leaders should approach topics of faith, wealth, and generosity.

What do Alabama residents think about this controversy? Does Henderson's interpretation resonate with them, or are they siding with those who argue that charity is its own blessing, separate from personal reward?

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