MEMORY VERSE:“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all me especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatian 6:10
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 9:36-41
INTRODUCTION
All believers in Christ are expected to be generous to those within our immediate communities when they are in need. This support could be a donation of materials or services as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to the less privileged. More importantly, the Bible encourages us to offer a helping hand to support members of the Church or fellow believers at their times of need Gal. 6:10.
OUTLINES
- WHO NEEDS OUR HELPING HAND?
- HOW SHOULD WE HELP? WHO NEEDS OUR HELPING HAND?
1. WHO NEEDS OUR HELPING HAND?
The following people should be helped: the committed brethren in need Gal. 6:10, the elderly Lev. 19:32, the widows/widowers Jam.1:27, orphans Ps. 82:3, the poor Prov. 19:17, the specially challenged (emotional, physical, mental, etc.) 2 Sam.9:3, 13. Our help should span from our needy family members (which Include our parents) 1 Tim.5:8, members of the household of faith Gal. 6:10, then to members of our society regardless of their background. It is very necessary to help brethren by connecting them to people or places to get good jobs, pay hospital bills, get scholarship for children’s school fees, etc.
While this gesture should not be an excuse for some people to be lazy, feel entitled or become parasites on others, believers should note that everything we have is given to us by God Ps. 68:19; 1 Cor. 4:7. Therefore, we should be encouraged to give to people in need or offer helpful services as God has given us the grace to do Prov. 22:9. Providing a helping hand without expecting anything back from the recipient is a great way to be Christ-like Lk. 6:34-35.
2. HOW SHOULD WE HELP?
As believers, it is important to know that the help we offer should be rooted in love 1 Cor. 13:3, this allows us to serve God better 2 Cor. 9:8. Our giving is an outward sign of our love for others 1 Jn. 3:17 and we should give from what we have as a principle whilst expecting God to provide for our own needs too Lk. 6:38. Sometimes, our giving can be a measure of our depth of faith in God and love for His Kingdom Mal. 3:10. However, the state of the heart of the giver is of greater importance to God than the gift Lk. 21:1-4.
While encouraging the believers in Corinth to give generously, Paul did not want them to give beyond their means, “reluctantly or under compulsion” 2 Cor. 8:12. More importantly, he wanted them to rely on their inner convictions 2 Cor. 9:6-7. No one should give under pressure or coercion. However, giving even when you do not have surplus can be a way of stretching your faith in God.
CONCLUSION
God loves it when we give 2 Cor. 9:7b and He will always pay back in ways we least imagine.
FURTHER READING: Mon: Ex. 25:2. Tue: Prov. 11:25. Wed: Matt. 6:12. Thurs: Lk. 21:3. Fri: 1 Pet. 4:10. Sat: 2 Cor. 9:6. Sun: Gal. 6:7-10.