Right now, almost 700 million people around the world live in extreme poverty, or on less than $2.15 a day. As Christ-followers, we are called to care for them — orphans, widows, and those struggling to survive each day.
These five Bible passages outline how we should help others and why it’s an essential part of living out our faith in Jesus:
1. Hebrews 13:16
When you help people in need from a willing heart, you please God
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
In Hebrews 13, the author provides valuable guidance on how to serve God and others. He specifically considers those who are in need, directing his readers to be hospitable and share their blessings with others.
That directive still applies to Christians today. God demonstrates His perfect love for us through His actions, and in the same way, He instructs us to show love to others by doing good and meeting their needs. When we bless others, we please God.
2. Philippians 2:3-4
When you provide help and hope, you demonstrate selflessness and generosity
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
What does it look like to serve people as Jesus did? It means serving selflessly, compassionately, and out of love. It means putting others first and ensuring both their physical and spiritual needs are met.
Right after these verses in Philippians, the apostle Paul goes on to write about how Jesus performed the ultimate act of selfless giving by becoming human and dying for us on the cross. As we humbly meet the needs of others, we reflect Jesus’ selfless love and become more like Him.
3. James 1:27
God instructs us to help those who need it most
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James writes in his book that a true relationship with God is lived out in the way we treat others, particularly those who are struggling.
Authentic faith isn’t something we can just keep to ourselves. We’re called to share it with the world, and while James specifically calls out orphans and widows, this verse can be applied to anyone who is suffering. The truest expression of our faith in Christ is caring for those who need help and hope.
4. Isaiah 1:17
We obey God by helping men, women, and children in need
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
As Christ-followers, we are called to be lights in a world filled with darkness. Where there is injustice, we must seek justice. Where there is suffering, we are called to provide relief, hope, and compassion. Our relationship with Jesus is not passive. Our faith isn’t only in our speech. It’s in how we love others and represent Christ to them.
5. Ephesians 2:10
When we provide essentials, we are the hands and feet of Jesus
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Finally, we help others because God created us to do so — whether that means volunteering, giving to meet needs, going on a mission trip, or simply giving a cup of water to someone in need.
When we help people living in poverty or the aftermath of a disaster, we are doing God’s work. We are serving as a powerful reminder of His love both at home in our communities and around the world.
Countless people around the world are struggling to survive right now, and they’re waiting for world changers like you to provide help and hope.
Will you demonstrate God’s love by helping meet their most urgent needs?
When you give just $24, you’ll provide essentials like food, clean water, medical care, God’s Word, and more for two people in need.
Your gift will help save lives and spread the love of Christ around the world.