7 Bible Verses About Helping Others in Need

Here are 7 Bible verses about helping others in need which I have carefully curated to be clear and practical, with short takeaways and links to read each passage in full.

7 Bible Verses About Helping Others in Need

1. Lending to the Lord

When you help someone in poverty, you're actually serving God. He sees your generosity and will bless you for it.

Proverbs 19:17 - "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done."

How to Apply It

• Give to food banks or homeless shelters
• Help a struggling neighbor with groceries
• Support organizations that serve the poor
• Share your resources without expecting anything back

2. Serving Jesus Through Others

Jesus identifies with those who are suffering. When you help someone in need, you're serving Jesus Himself.

Matthew 25:35-40 - "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... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

How to Apply It

• Visit sick people in hospitals
• Volunteer at a prison ministry
• Welcome immigrants and refugees
• Provide meals for those who are hungry
• Donate clothes to those without adequate clothing

3. Carry Each Other's Burdens

Christians should help each other through difficult times. We fulfill Christ's command to love when we support one another.

Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

How to Apply It

• Listen when someone needs to talk
• Offer practical help to struggling friends
• Babysit for overwhelmed parents
• Help someone move or complete a difficult task
• Pray with and for people going through hard times

4. Do Good and Share

Sharing and doing good are acts of worship. God is pleased when we generously help others.

Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

How to Apply It

• Share your skills and talents
• Give your time to volunteer work
• Share financial resources with those in need
• Teach someone a useful skill
• Share your home or possessions when appropriate

5. Love in Actions, Not Just Words

Real love requires action. You can't claim to love God while ignoring people who need help.

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."

How to Apply It

• Stop talking and start doing
• Meet practical needs when you see them
• Don't just say "I'll pray for you" without offering tangible help
• Use your resources to make a real difference
• Be moved to action by others' suffering

6. Don't Withhold Good

If you can help someone, do it now. Don't delay or make excuses when you have the ability to do good.

Proverbs 3:27 - "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."

How to Apply It

• Act immediately when you see a need
• Don't procrastinate on helping others
• If you can afford it, give it
• If you have time, offer it
• Don't wait for a "better" moment

7. The Principle of Generous Giving

God blesses generous people. When you give freely to help others, God will provide for you abundantly.

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."

How to Apply It

• Give cheerfully without worrying about running out
• Trust God to meet your needs as you meet others' needs
• Don't give reluctantly or sparingly
• Be generous with your time, money, and resources
• Remember that you can't out-give God

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Practical Ways to Help Others Today

If you desire to be a blessings to someone else who needs help, I have outlined below some steps you need to take:

In Your Community

• Volunteer at local shelters or food banks
• Mow an elderly neighbor's lawn
• Organize a donation drive
• Tutor children who need academic help
• Visit nursing homes

In Your Church

• Serve in children's ministry
• Help with church maintenance
• Cook meals for new parents or sick members
• Drive people who need transportation
• Mentor younger believers

At Work or School

• Stand up for someone being bullied
• Help a coworker with a heavy workload
• Share your lunch with someone who forgot theirs
• Encourage someone who is discouraged
• Include people who are left out

In Your Family

• Help with household chores without being asked
• Spend quality time with lonely family members
• Support relatives going through tough times
• Care for aging parents or grandparents
• Be patient with difficult family members

Common Excuses and How to Overcome Them

Here are some common excuses we hear from lots of people when it comes to them helping those in need:

• "I don't have enough money" - You don't need money to help. Offer your time, skills, encouragement, or prayers. These are more valuable than money.
• "I'm too busy" - You don't have to do everything at once, just start small. That small can make a difference.
• "Someone else will do it" - Everyone is called by God to help, so don't wait for others to act first.
• "I don't know how to help" - You never know until you ask! Simply say, "How can I help you?" Most people will tell you what they need.
• "What if they take advantage of me?" - This is common so do what you can and let God handle the rest. God will honor your obedience.

Additional Bible Verses to Explore

Want to study more about helping others? Read these passages:

• Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (Be openhanded to the poor)
• Isaiah 58:10 (Feed the hungry)
• Philippians 2:4 (Look to others' interests)
• James 2:14-17 (Faith without works is dead)
• Romans 12:13 (Share with God's people in need)
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 (God loves a cheerful giver)
• Acts 20:35 (More blessed to give than receive)

See also: Top 7 Bible Verses about the Will of God

Pray This Prayer

"Dear Lord, open my eyes to see the needs around me. Give me a compassionate heart like Yours. Help me to be generous with what You've given me. Give me courage to act when I see someone in need. Use me as Your hands and feet to show Your love to others. In Jesus' name, Amen."