Acts of kindness and helping others are central to God’s message. The Bible gives us clear instructions on caring for those in need. Today, we’ll see how these teachings inspire us to show love and compassion in a way that honors God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Wicked
What Does The Bible Say About Helping People
Hebrews 13:16
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
This verse encourages believers to actively engage in doing good and sharing their resources with others. It reminds us that our acts of kindness and generosity are not only beneficial to those we help but are also pleasing to God.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in times of difficulty. It reminds us that as followers of Christ, we should be willing to help shoulder the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ, demonstrating love and fulfilling the law of Christ.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
This verse highlights the blessing that comes from being generous to the poor. It assures us that when we extend a helping hand to those in need, we are lending to the Lord Himself, and He promises to repay our acts of kindness.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse reminds believers to let their actions reflect the goodness and love of God. By helping others and doing good works, we have an opportunity to shine a light that points people to God and brings glory to Him.
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
This passage emphasizes the importance of tangible action in helping those in need. Mere words without corresponding deeds are empty and ineffective. We are called to provide practical support to those in need, not just offer empty words of comfort.
Proverbs 22:9
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
This verse highlights the blessings that come from being generous and sharing with the poor. When we have a compassionate heart and willingly share what we have, God promises to bless us in return.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
This verse encourages believers to give generously, assuring them that what they give will be multiplied and returned to them. It emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, reminding us that our generosity will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by God.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of our actions regarding the poor. When we give to the poor, we can trust that God will provide for us and meet our needs. However, if we ignore the needs of the poor, we bring curses upon ourselves.
1 John 3:17
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and motives. If we have the means to help someone in need but choose not to, it raises questions about the authenticity of God’s love in us. It encourages us to extend compassion and assistance to others as an expression of God’s love.
Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
This verse describes the virtuous woman who extends her hand to the poor and reaches out to those in need. It portrays an image of compassion, generosity, and willingness to help, serving as a model for believers to follow.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
In this passage, Jesus speaks of the importance of helping others, particularly the marginalized. He identifies Himself with those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned. When we extend assistance to them, we are serving Christ Himself.
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
This verse emphasizes the principle of selflessness and the joy that comes from giving. It reminds us that helping the weak and vulnerable is not only a duty but also a source of blessing for both the giver and the receiver.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of giving. When we give freely and generously, we not only enrich others’ lives but also find ourselves blessed abundantly. God rewards a generous heart and satisfies the needs of those who faithfully give.
Luke 10:25-37
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
This well-known parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us the importance of going above and beyond to help those in need, regardless of social or cultural boundaries. It calls us to show compassion, extend practical assistance, and care for others in their times of distress.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse contrasts the sinfulness of despising or neglecting our neighbors with the blessings that come from generosity towards the poor. It reminds us of our responsibility to love and care for others, especially those in need.
Luke 3:11
“And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.'”
John the Baptist’s response to the crowds seeking his guidance on repentance highlights the importance of sharing our resources with those in need. It challenges believers to examine their possessions and willingly share with others who lack basic necessities.
Isaiah 58:10
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.”
This verse emphasizes that when we sacrificially serve those in need, our own lives are transformed. God promises blessings, both spiritually and materially, when we pour ourselves out in love and meet the needs of the hungry and afflicted.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.”
This verse encourages us not to withhold acts of kindness and assistance when we have the ability to help. It is a call to use our resources and influence for the betterment of others, reflecting the goodness and love of God.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”
These verses remind those who are wealthy to prioritize their hope in God rather than material possessions. They counsel believers to be generous, actively engaging in good works and willingly sharing what they have been blessed with.
Acts 9:36
“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
This verse describes the character of Tabitha, a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity. It highlights the importance of using our resources to impact others positively, leaving a legacy of kindness and compassion.
Proverbs 19:6
“Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.”
This verse acknowledges the value and influence of a generous heart. It reveals that generosity attracts favor and builds meaningful relationships. It encourages believers to establish a reputation of giving and extend help to others as a means of building genuine connections.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse emphasizes the attitude with which we should give. It encourages us to give willingly and cheerfully, not out of obligation or compulsion. It highlights that our generosity should flow from a heart filled with gratitude and love for God.
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This verse challenges us to extend kindness even to those who may not deserve it. It encourages believers to rise above enmity and extend practical assistance and compassion to those in need, following the example of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:7
“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.”
This verse urges believers to excel not only in spiritual disciplines but also in acts of grace and generosity. It emphasizes that our love for God should be evident through our willingness to help and bless others in practical ways.
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
This verse challenges believers to adopt a selfless mindset. It reminds us that our focus should extend beyond our own needs and ambitions as we actively consider the well-being and interests of others, demonstrating love and compassion.
Romans 12:13
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
This verse calls believers to actively support and meet the needs of fellow believers. It encourages generosity towards the community of faith and invites believers to extend hospitality and care, fostering an environment of love and unity.
Helping others is a fundamental aspect of living out our Christian faith. These Bible verses remind us of the importance of extending a helping hand, sharing our resources, and showing love and compassion to those in need. They highlight that our acts of kindness not only benefit others but also bring glory to God. Whether it is through giving, sharing, comforting, or serving, the Bible teaches us that helping people is an integral part of our Christian journey. May these verses inspire us to be active in our love for others and to reflect the generous heart of Christ in our lives.