The Bible has a lot to say about kindness and helping those in need. Through many verses, it teaches the importance of caring for others and looking beyond ourselves. Helping others is seen as an act of love that reflects God’s character, and readers will find encouragement to lend a hand, even in small ways. Discover how these teachings can guide us in our daily lives and relationships with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Abandoning Friends
What Does The Bible Say About Helping Others
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of helping others, particularly those in need. It highlights the practical acts of kindness that we can do to make a difference in someone’s life. Jesus teaches us that by helping others, we are ultimately serving Him.
It challenges us to not only provide physical necessities such as food, drink, and clothing but also to show compassion and care for those who are sick, lonely, or imprisoned. This verse inspires us to be selfless and reach out to those who are suffering, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse encourages us to be generous in our giving. It reminds us that when we help others, we will receive blessings in return. The blessing may not necessarily be in the form of material possessions but can also be in the form of joy, peace, and fulfillment.
When we give with a sincere and open heart, we create a cycle of abundance and blessings in our own lives. This verse teaches us that the measure of our generosity towards others will determine the measure of blessings we receive from God.
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
This verse calls us to have compassion for those in need. It challenges us to not only possess material possessions but also to use them to help others. When we have the ability to meet someone’s needs but choose not to, it reflects a lack of God’s love within us.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another and meet the needs of others. This verse reminds us that our actions should align with our faith and that true love is expressed through tangible acts of kindness and generosity.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
This verse encourages us not to hold back from doing good to others when we have the means to do so. It reminds us that we should seize every opportunity to help those who are deserving of our assistance.
God has blessed us with resources and abilities, and it is our responsibility to use them for the betterment of others. This verse challenges our selfish tendencies and encourages us to be proactive in our acts of kindness and service.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse encourages us to support one another and share the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ. It reminds us that by helping and uplifting others, we demonstrate the love of Christ and fulfill His command to love one another.
We are called to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those who are struggling. This verse challenges us to be attentive to the needs of others and to actively seek ways to lighten their load through acts of compassion and empathy.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse reminds us not to neglect the act of doing good and sharing with others. It emphasizes that our actions of kindness are sacrifices that please God.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be generous in our giving and sharing. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and His abundant grace. This verse challenges us to prioritize acts of kindness and selflessness in our daily lives.
James 2:15-17
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
This verse highlights the importance of combining our faith with action. It calls us to not only offer kind words and prayers to those in need but also to take practical steps to meet their physical needs.
Our faith should be evident through our actions. We are called to be doers of the Word and display God’s love through tangible acts of compassion and generosity. This verse challenges us to live out our faith in a way that makes a difference in the lives of others.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse assures us that when we show kindness to the poor, we are lending to the Lord Himself. It reminds us that God sees and rewards our acts of kindness and generosity.
When we help those who are less fortunate, whether it be financially, emotionally, or spiritually, we are sowing seeds of blessing and impacting lives for God’s glory. This verse encourages us to continue being instruments of His love and to trust in His divine reward.
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
This verse instructs us to actively pursue opportunities to do good, to be characterized by good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share with others.
Our Christian faith should translate into expressions of kindness, compassion, and generosity. By living out these virtues, we reflect God’s love and bring glory to His name. This verse challenges us to go beyond mere intentions and to actively engage in acts of goodness towards others.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of generosity. It teaches us that those who are generous and share with the poor will themselves be blessed.
God honors and rewards a generous heart. When we willingly give to those in need, we display God’s love and set in motion a cycle of blessings. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of generosity, knowing that it not only benefits others but also brings blessings upon ourselves.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
This verse reminds us of Jesus’ teachings that it is more blessed to give than to receive. It emphasizes the importance of actively working to help the weak and vulnerable, rather than seeking to be on the receiving end.
By adopting a mindset of giving, we align ourselves with the heart of Christ and experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from selflessness. This verse challenges us to prioritize the needs of others and to seek opportunities to serve and give generously.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.””
This verse highlights the importance of treating our neighbors with kindness and generosity. It warns against having a disdainful attitude towards others and encourages us to be generous towards those in need.
God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to extend compassion and support to those facing difficult circumstances. This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions towards others, reminding us that generosity brings blessing and honor in the sight of God.
Luke 10:25-37
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.””
This parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the importance of showing compassion and helping others, regardless of their background or circumstances. It emphasizes the need to reach out to those in need and to offer practical assistance and care.
The Good Samaritan’s actions demonstrate selflessness, love, and mercy. He went above and beyond to meet the needs of the injured man, showing us what it means to be a good neighbor. This parable challenges us to be sensitive to the needs of those around us and to actively extend a helping hand without hesitation or prejudice.
Titus 3:14
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.””
This verse calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of doing good and meeting urgent needs. It emphasizes the importance of being productive and purposeful in our actions towards others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to proactively seek ways to help and serve others. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from self-centeredness to a life that is dedicated to meeting the needs of those around us, using our skills, time, and resources for the greater good.
Deuteronomy 15:11
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.””
This verse acknowledges that there will always be people in need, and it instructs us to have an open and generous heart towards them. It specifically refers to the poor and needy within our communities, highlighting the responsibility we have to care for those around us.
God calls us to be compassionate and empathetic, reaching out to help our fellow brothers and sisters in times of need. This verse challenges us to not turn a blind eye to the struggles of others but to actively extend a helping hand and support those who are less fortunate.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.””
This verse encourages us to share with those who are in need and to practice hospitality. It invites us to be generous with our resources and to open our homes and hearts to others.
Hospitality goes beyond simply providing physical provisions but also involves creating a welcoming and loving environment for those in need. This verse challenges us to embrace a lifestyle of generosity and to actively seek opportunities to extend hospitality to others.
Philippians 2:4
“Each of you should look not only to your interests but also to the interests of others.””
This verse reminds us to be considerate of the needs and interests of others, not just our own. It challenges us to cultivate a selfless mindset and to prioritize the well-being of those around us.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example of selflessness and servanthood. This verse prompts us to shift our perspective and actively seek ways to help and support others, making their needs a priority alongside our own.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.””
This verse assures us that those who give to the poor will lack nothing. It emphasizes the importance of having a generous and compassionate heart towards those in need.
God promises to bless those who extend a helping hand to the poor and disadvantaged. This verse challenges us to avoid indifference or apathy towards those less fortunate and to actively seek opportunities to give generously to those in need.
Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.””
This verse calls upon those who are strong to bear with the weaknesses and failings of the weak. It encourages us to prioritize the needs of others rather than seeking our own satisfaction and comfort.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and support one another, particularly those who are struggling. This verse challenges us to extend patience, understanding, and grace to those who are weak, reminding us that by doing so, we demonstrate the selfless love of Christ.
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter…?”
This verse highlights specific acts of kindness that we can do to help those in need: sharing our food with the hungry and providing shelter for the homeless.
God takes delight in our generosity and compassion towards others, particularly those who are lacking basic necessities. This verse challenges us to be attentive to the needs of those around us and to actively seek opportunities to provide practical assistance and support.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.””
This verse teaches us to be willing to give to those who ask and not to turn away from those in need. It directs us to have a generous and compassionate attitude towards others, particularly those seeking assistance.
While exercising wisdom in discerning genuine needs, this verse challenges us to be open-handed and willing to help others in their times of need. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and exhibit His love in practical ways.
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.””
This verse highlights the transformative power of selfless acts of service. It assures us that when we spend ourselves on behalf of the hungry and oppressed, our light will shine brightly even in the darkest of times.
By demonstrating compassion and meeting the needs of others, we become beacons of hope and agents of positive change. This verse challenges us to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering, knowing that our efforts have the potential to bring light and transformation in their lives.
Leviticus 19:10
“Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.””
This verse teaches us the importance of leaving provisions for those who are less fortunate. It reminds us to be mindful of the needs of the poor and the foreigners among us, allowing them to have access to the resources that we may have in abundance.
God calls His people to be mindful of the marginalized and to willingly share what we have with those in need. This verse challenges us to be generous and to view our possessions and resources as opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Luke 3:11
“John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.””
This verse underscores the importance of sharing our resources with those who are in need. It challenges us to be aware of the disparities around us and to willingly give to others, regardless of our own excess or lack.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives marked by generosity and compassion. This verse encourages us to be mindful of our possessions and to use them to meet the needs of others, particularly in the areas of clothing and food.