Good Reasons to Help People in Need:
It's a part of making disciples.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matt. 28:19-20)
It's a way to show love.
Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matt. 22:39) -- My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (Jn. 15:12-13) -- Serve one another in love. (Gal. 5:13)
It's what body life is all about.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Cor. 12:26) -- Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Rom. 12:15) -- Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2)
It's a reflection of the character of our Lord Jesus.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk. 10:45) -- Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2:4-5)
Who should help:
All believers are called to come alongside of other people to help in time of need.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:10) -- And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Heb. 13:16)
Yet, there will be those who, by virtue of their spiritual gifting, should focus their time, energy, and resources into helping ministries above and beyond that of other believers.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works all of them in all men. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)
Those with the gift of exhortation, for example, may be suited for counseling and support groups. Those with the gift of mercy may find themselves comforting those who grieve and providing relief assistance. Those with the gift of service may find themselves assisting people with their physical needs. Those with the gift of giving may provide finances or material goods to assist those with physical needs or to help in time of crisis.
Some people may not have the primary helping gifts but may nonetheless have a passion toward these areas or toward people in need. They could fulfill leadership or administrative roles within these ministries. They could be teaching and training others to do the work. They could be praying for the ministry. These believers may not be in regular contact with the people in need but still hold integral roles in ministry to them.
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