As Christians We Absolutely Need To Care For Those Who Are In Need
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The Bible states that the poor will be with us always . There will always be those who, as a result of their own actions, or actions that are out of their control, find themselves in dire economic straits and wind up with an inability to provide for their basic necessities.
As Christians we absolutely need to care for those who are in needthe difficulty is determining who is truly needy.
The Bible admonishes us repeatedly to care for the poor among us. In ancient Israel, God had a system in place where those who had a loss of economic opportunity could sign on to work with someone for a period of time, trading their labor for a roof over their head and meals. After a six-year period of service, they were released on the seventh year and received a jumpstart on getting themselves reset financially . Additionally, there were land Sabbaths built into the national system, and during those land Sabbaths while the land was not sown or worked, what grew naturally was to be gleaned by the poor, as it wasnt harvested. Additionally, every 50th year , was the Jubilee year when all outstanding debts were forgiven, and all properties returned to their original owners .
It appears from these examples in Scripture that it was not Gods intention that people find themselves indebted in such a way that they could never recover.
Christian Quotes About Helping Others
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. Augustine
God has chosen us to help one another. Smith Wigglesworth
There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. Mandy Hale
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. Charles Spurgeon
Have you ever noticed how much of Christs life was spent in doing kind things? Henry Drummond
A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. Charles Spurgeon
Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others. Martin Luther King Jr.
Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need the remainder is needed by others. Saint Augustine
Jesus Warns Of Those Who Ignore The Poor
Jesus gave a startling wake up call to all who would profess their belief in Him in. When Jesus comes to the earth and judges between the sheep and the goats, Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. They also will answer, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me .
Sodom sinned the sin of not helping the poor as they were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned they did not help the poor and needy . Being a Christian means to be Christ-like. Not only those who profess Him as their Lord and Savior, but those who possess Him in their actions. We can profess and even confess Him, but unless we possess Him, He is not our Lord. As has been said, if He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all!
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What Does The Bible Say About Dealing With Toxic / Abusive People / Relationships
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t ever have to deal with people who hurt us, but unfortunately, we live in a fallen world full of fallen people , so pain and hurt is going to happen at some point. We would hope that at least our family or Christian friends would always be an encouragement, but there’s no guarantee of that either. No one is exempt from the influence of sin. Yes, Christians will struggle against sin tooand sometimes they allow it to get the best of them. Thus, toxic or abusive relationships are formed, and we occasionally wind up entangled within those terrible, unhealthy webs and cycles of behavior.
Bible Verses About Mean People
If any Christian is dealing with a mean attitude I encourage you to find the root to your anger. It could be because of stress, envy, or maybe there is that one person who always makes you mad.
Treat others how you would want to be treated. If someone disrespects you its so easy to lash out at them, but dont instead repay them with blessings.
Keep your composure in all situations and overlook an offense. Think about others and how they would feel.
Always walk by the Spirit so you wont gratify the desires of the flesh and be kind to everyone.
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The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become.
Put off your old self
1. Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires
2. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
3. Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart and they defile the man.
4. Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
5. James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Kindness
6. Proverbs 11:17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
Anger
Love
Peace
Reminders
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What Does The Bible Say About Helping Your Family Financially
We have all had those moments when a family member asks for money. And if you havent you can bet you will at some point.
And if you are anything like me, you want to help because you love them. But you dont want to make the relationship awkward and you dont want to create any dependence.
I am so glad God has already provided wisdom for us in His Word!
As we all know family relationships can be very complicated, and each situation is different. But lets look at a little of what the Bible says about it.
To Those Who Abuse Others Or Create Toxic Relationships
Abuse is never OK. Own up to the fact that you have been abusing or creating toxic relationships or environments for others. Only taking responsibility for your damaging behavior will break the abusive cycle and help you recover from whatever past or present pain is feeding into your own toxicity .
Seek forgiveness from God. Be honest with yourself and make no excuses. 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When you ask God to forgive you, He promises to do so and give you a fresh startno matter what has happened.
Seek help through pastoral or biblical counseling or through a small group of believers where loving relationships are fostered, where you can “bear one another’s burdens” . God will give you the strength to do as you are called to dolove one another as He loves us .
If possible, seek reconciliation with those whom you have hurt , but be aware that they may not be ready to forgive you or feel safe around you for a long, long time. Give them space and whatever amount of time they need. They may never want to reconcile with you, but that is not something you can control. Their forgiveness is not required for you to make changes in your life, be forgiven by God, or move forward with a fresh start.
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Bible Verses About Defending The Rights Of The Poor
Its clear in the Bible that one aspect of poverty is the oppression that vulnerable communities face. Time and time again, God demonstrates his justice, commanding his people to defend the oppressed. The Bible calls us to speak up. This is why FH engages leaders in the community and uses advocacy as an avenue for change. We walk with public servants in order to speak into legislation, policies, systems, and attitudes that impact global poverty. Through these relationships and influence, we seek justice and renewal in vulnerable communities. We wont stop until Gods purpose shines bright in each person we serve.
Learn to do right seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless plead the case of the widow.Isaiah 1:17
Proverbs 31:8-9Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 22:22-23Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
Jeremiah 22:3This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
Proverbs 21:13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
What Does The Bible Say About Poverty
Faith
The Bible is the authoritative source for knowing Gods heart, his will, and our purpose as Christians. This is true also for how God calls us to serve the poor and those in poverty. At Food for the Hungry, our first value is We follow Jesus. We are ambassadors of Jesus in our thoughts, words, and deeds. So what does the Bible say about poverty? How are Christians instructed to care for the poor? There are over 2000 references in the Bible to the poor. Here is a SparkNotes version or list of Bible verses that inform our work, and tell us what the Bible says about poverty. We pray they help you discover Gods heart for our global brothers and sisters living in poverty.
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Bible Verses About Helping The Poor
Poverty is complex and ever-changing, but how does God command us to help those in poverty? First of all, the Bible calls us to give generously and open wide your hand to your brother. He wants us to be kind and have a joyful heart while giving, whether thats through a one-time commitment or sponsoring a child. Ultimately, the important part is that we act out of an overflow of blessing in our own lives!
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
Luke 12:32-34Fear not, little flock, for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Proverbs 29:7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
Deuteronomy 15:11For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.
Proverbs 3:27-28Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,when it is in your power to do it.Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again,tomorrow I will give itwhen you have it with you.
Is The Bibles View Cruel
What about people who have homosexual inclinations? Were they born that way? If so, would it not be cruel to say that it is wrong for them to act on their desires?
The Bible does not comment on the biology of homosexuality, although it acknowledges that some human traits are deeply ingrained. Still, the Bible says that certain conductincluding homosexual acts
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What Defines A Toxic Or Abusive Relationship
Abuse is defined as the act of mistreating or misusing just about anything, such as drugs, technology, trust, possessionsor people. Abusing things or people is a sin because it is, at the core, motivated by selfishness which results in horrendous consequences. When people are involved, the fallout can be radioactively toxic, such as damaged relationships, destruction of self-esteem, and painful emotional trauma that gets carried through the years. Toxic or abusive people tend to lash out in anger when things don’t go how they want them to, and the innocent bystanders in their way suffer for it.
Whether the abuse is subtle and harder to see on the surface or if it is out in the open, leaving physical evidence, all forms of abuse are just as wrong and just as destructive. Verbal attacks, criticism, favoritism, manipulation, deceit, threats, and withheld expressions of love are all just as hurtful as beating, pushing, pinching, fists, and fire. No abuse is ever OK, especially when it involves other people.
Everyone is guilty on some level of being abusive or toxic to others at some pointno matter what age, ethnicity, gender, or whatever. The potential to harm has to do with sin and our innate bent toward selfishness . Those who have accepted the need for a Savior acknowledge that only Love Himself, Jesus Christ, can tame our selfishness, transforming it into real love . We have a responsibility to care for and love othersnot cause harm .
Back & Extend Forgiveness
If a person in your life is toxic to your mental, spiritual, or physical health, often the wisest decision is to put some distance between you and them. If the abuse is physical and/or you live with the person, you must seek help from trusted friends or family members right away for your own safety.
In Galatians 4:7-10, the Apostle Paul admonishes the church for listening to someone who was spreading lies and shaking people’s faith in God. He spoke pretty harshly upon the troublesome person too . Paul goes on to say that love is the better option, but that distance may be necessary for “if you bite and devour one another,” you may end up hurting each other a lot worse .
Being angry and frustrated by a situation, relationship, or person is OK and perfectly healthy that’s our mind’s way of alerting us to the fact that something is very wrong. If you’re in a toxic environment, you do not need to “get used to it” or “just get over it.” It is OK to distance yourselfeven if you’re still mad.
The key to making this distance work is to avoid indulging in your anger or bitternessfor both your sakes. In distancing yourself from the toxic relationship / person, you create space for empathy and forgiveness. When you forgive someone, you are not only offering them the gift of forgiveness, you are setting yourself free from holding onto a grudge. You exchange a heart of bitterness and anger for one focused on God’s love. That said…
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What Does The Bible Say About Helping Others
Scripture tells us that Christians should consider the interest of others and help those in need. If someone asks you to pray for them, then pray. If someone begs for some water, food, or money, then give it to them. When you do these righteous things you are doing Gods will, working for God, and bringing happiness and blessings on others.
Dont help others for show or recognition like some hypocrite celebrities who turn on cameras just to help someone.
Do it not with a grudging heart, but with a loving heart.
Every act of kindness to others is an act of kindness to Christ.
I encourage you to start today and lend a helping hand to others in need.
We shouldnt just limit helping people to just giving them money, food, and clothes. Sometimes people just need someone there to listen.
Sometimes people just need words of wisdom. Think about the many different ways you can help the needy today.