What the Bible says about helping
Heart for Kids is a faith based organisation
We believe we’re called to follow what the Bible says about helping the poor and marginalised.
God’s heart for those in need is evident throughout the Bible. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to actively show compassion and mercy to the poor and marginalized.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God makes it clear that He cares deeply for the vulnerable, and as followers of Christ, we are commanded to do the same. Helping the poor and marginalized isn’t optional charity; it’s a direct reflection of God’s justice, love, and compassion in action.
God’s Heart for the Poor
Throughout the Bible, God expresses deep concern for the poor, oppressed, and marginalised. He hears their cries, sees their struggles, and calls His people to be His hands and feet in serving them. In Deuteronomy 15:11, God reminds His people: “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 emphasizes that poverty is a reality we will face, but it also commands us to respond with generosity and open hearts.
God’s concern for the poor is not limited to financial poverty but extends to those marginalised by society, such as widows, orphans, strangers, and the oppressed. Psalm 82:3-4 urges us to: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This passage reflects God’s call for justice, reminding us that we have a responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
Jesus’ Teachings on Helping the Poor
Jesus’ ministry was deeply rooted in compassion for the poor and marginalised. He not only preached about caring for the needy, but He also lived it out in His actions. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus speaks about the final judgment and illustrates the importance of helping those in need by saying: “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.”
God wants our lives to be filled with mercy, love, and compassion—signs of His kingdom. As followers of Jesus, we have the choice to either react to challenging situations with fear and even avoidance, or we can follow Him by addressing the greatest needs around us with love and hope. Showing care for those in need is the true evidence of a faith that transforms lives and even transforms cities and countries.
This passage is a powerful reminder that when we care for the poor, we are serving Christ Himself. Jesus identifies so closely with the marginalised that our acts of service toward them are considered acts of service to Him.
Generosity as a Reflection of Faith
In the New Testament, the early church demonstrated radical generosity. The believers shared their possessions and ensured no one among them was in need. Acts 4:34-35 says “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
Generosity and caring for the poor are inseparable from the Christian faith. So our love for God should be reflected in how we love others, especially those who cannot repay us.
The Bible encourages believers to give generously to those in need. Not out of obligation, but as an overflow of love. Proverbs 19:17 says: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” This emphasises that God notices our kindness and compassion for the poor. And that there is a real blessing in being generous.
The Call to Justice
Helping the poor is not just about charity, but about pursuing justice. The Bible frequently calls for justice for the oppressed and marginalized. Micah 6:8 sums this up well; “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Justice means addressing the root causes of poverty and marginalization, not just the symptoms. As Christians, we are called to advocate for the voiceless, defend the rights of the poor, and work toward a society where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Practical Ways to Help
The Bible doesn’t just speak about helping the poor in theory; it calls us to practical action. Here are a few ways to live out biblical principles of helping the poor and marginalized:
- Give generously: Whether through financial contributions or offering your time and skills, seek out ways to meet the needs of others.
- Serve the vulnerable: Volunteer at local shelters or organisations dedicated to serving the poor, widows, orphans, and refugees.
- Advocate for justice: Speak up for policies and initiatives that protect the rights of the marginalized and address systemic issues of poverty and injustice.
- Build relationships: Reach out to those in need in your community and offer support, friendship, and encouragement.
What’s it all mean?
Helping the poor is not just about charity, but about pursuing justice. The Bible frequently calls for justice for the oppressed and marginalised. Micah 6:8 sums this up well; “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Justice means addressing the root causes of poverty and marginalisation, not just the symptoms.
Helping the poor and marginalised is a central theme of the Bible and a command for all believers. We’re to follow Christ’s example, we are called to love our neighbours, show compassion to the needy, and seek justice for the oppressed. When we give generously and selflessly, we reflect the heart of God and bring His love to a hurting world.
Thanks to our donors and supporters we’ve seen these teachings become more than just words, they have become actions and helped changes lives, one by one.
If you want to help in practical ways you can sponsor a child here or donate to help here.
Lets answer this call with open hearts and hands, knowing that in serving the least among us, we are serving Christ Himself.
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