The Bible calls believers to care for those in need, showing compassion and generosity. Failing to help others, especially when able, goes against scripture’s teachings on love and service. Let’s explore what the Bible says about helping others and how to live a life of kindness and charity.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Stoicism
What Does The Bible Say About Not Helping Others
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not turning a blind eye to the needs of the less fortunate. If we ignore the cries of the poor and refuse to help, we may find that our own cries for help go unanswered.
It serves as a reminder that showing compassion and extending a helping hand to those in need is not only virtuous but also essential for our own well-being.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse encourages believers to assist one another in times of difficulty. By sharing the burdens of our fellow brothers and sisters, we demonstrate Christ-like love and fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
It reminds us that helping others is not only a moral obligation but also brings us closer to God’s intention for community and mutual support within the body of believers.
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 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 passage highlights the importance of coupling our faith with action. Mere words without tangible acts of kindness and assistance render our faith empty.
It reminds us that true faith is active and should manifest in practical ways, including caring for the needs of others. Faith that does not result in action lacks substance and falls short of exemplifying the love and compassion of Christ.
1 John 3:17-18
“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? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love through tangible actions. Possessing material possessions yet failing to show compassion towards those in need contradicts the love of God in us.
It urges us to move beyond mere words and choose to actively love others through practical acts of kindness, demonstrating the true nature of God’s love within us.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This proverb highlights the sinfulness of despising or neglecting our neighbors. It emphasizes the blessedness that comes to those who show kindness to the needy.
It reminds us that God calls us to treat all people with dignity and respect, especially those who are in need, for it is in showing kindness and compassion that we reflect the heart of God.
Mathew 25:45
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'”
These words of Jesus serve as a sobering reminder that our treatment of others, especially those who are marginalized or less fortunate, reflects our treatment of Christ Himself.
It underscores the importance of actively helping others and reminds us that our actions, or lack thereof, have eternal significance, as they are directed towards our Lord.
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 emphasizes the promise of divine reward for those who show kindness and generosity towards the poor. When we extend help to those in need, it is regarded as lending to the Lord Himself.
It encourages us to view acts of kindness as investments with eternal dividends, for God faithfully rewards those who exhibit compassion towards the less fortunate.
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 famous parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the concept of helping others in a vivid manner. It showcases the compassion and selflessness of a Samaritan who actively attends to the needs of a wounded stranger.
It teaches us the importance of looking beyond societal divisions and extending help to anyone in need, regardless of their background, and inspires us to be agents of kindness and compassion in our own lives.
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’ — when you already have it with you.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of timely and willing assistance. It advises against delaying or avoiding providing help when we are capable of doing so.
It reminds us that we should seize opportunities to do good and not defer acts of kindness, but rather readily extend help to those who have a legitimate claim to it.
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.'”
In these words of the Apostle Paul, we are reminded of the example of Jesus, who taught the principle of selflessly helping the weak and disadvantaged.
It emphasizes that giving and serving others bring greater blessings than receiving and encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity and concern for those in need.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
The proverb asserts that sharing with the poor and being generous leads to personal blessings. It recognizes the reciprocal nature of generosity and highlights the positive outcomes that result from a selfless attitude.
It encourages us to cultivate a generous heart, knowing that not only do we impact the lives of those we help, but we also receive God’s blessings in return.
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 provides insight into the consequences of our actions toward the poor. Those who give generously to the poor can expect to lack nothing, while those who turn a blind eye to their needs will face curses or negative repercussions.
It serves as a reminder that our treatment of the less fortunate directly affects our own well-being and underscores the importance of actively engaging in acts of charity and compassion.
Psalm 41:1
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.”
This psalm highlights the blessedness of those who demonstrate compassion towards the weak and vulnerable. It carries the promise that the Lord will deliver them in times of trouble.
It inspires us to cultivate empathy and concern for those less fortunate, knowing that God’s provision and protection are extended to those who extend their hand to the needy.
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This proverb draws a connection between our treatment of the poor and our reverence for God. Oppressing the poor is seen as an act of disrespect towards the Creator, while showing kindness to the needy is considered an act of honor towards God Himself.
It reminds us that our treatment of others, especially those in vulnerable positions, is a reflection of our relationship with God and our understanding of His heart for justice and compassion.
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 portrays the principle of reciprocation when it comes to giving. It teaches that as we generously give, we will also receive an abundance of blessings in return.
It encourages us to approach giving with a generous and open heart, knowing that the measure with which we give will be the measure with which we are blessed.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This proverb highlights the correlation between generosity and personal prosperity. It states that those who are generous and refresh others will, in turn, experience refreshing themselves.
It reminds us that our generosity not only benefits those we help but also opens the door for blessings and refreshment to be poured into our own lives.
Deuteronomy 15:10
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this, the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving with a joyful and willing heart, not holding back or begrudgingly providing assistance. It assures us that when we give generously, God will bless the work of our hands and every aspect of our lives.
It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of cheerful giving, knowing that God’s blessings will abound in our lives as we extend help to those in need.
Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
These verses encourage us to persevere in doing good and not grow weary. They remind us that there is a harvest of blessings awaiting us if we do not give up in our acts of kindness and generosity.
They also highlight the importance of prioritizing our fellow believers and extending help to all people, ensuring that we actively engage in acts of goodness at every opportunity.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This proverb warns against showing disdain towards the poor or rejoicing in their misfortunes. It asserts that such actions demonstrate contempt towards God and assures that those who indulge in such behavior will face consequences.
It reminds us to guard our hearts and attitudes towards the less fortunate, choosing compassion and empathy over judgment and callousness.
Proverbs 22:16
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”
This verse exposes the detrimental consequences of oppressing the poor and seeking personal gain through exploitation. It asserts that those who engage in such practices will eventually come to poverty themselves.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of upright and just dealings, especially towards those who are economically disadvantaged, and the long-term consequences of exploiting others.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
This passage addresses those who possess wealth and urges them not to be haughty or rely solely on their riches. Instead, it encourages them to trust in God, who abundantly provides for our needs and enjoyment.
It implores the wealthy to actively engage in good deeds, be generous, and willingly share their resources with others, acknowledging that true fulfillment and purpose lie in acts of kindness and generosity.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This proverb warns against profiting from the poor through exploitative practices. It states that wealth gained in such a manner will eventually be transferred to someone who will show kindness to the poor.
It asserts the principle of divine justice and highlights the importance of fair and ethical business dealings, refraining from exploiting the vulnerable for personal gain.