Our Duty to Help Others

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27).
We have a duty as godly men to use our resources wisely. God has not blessed us solely for ourselves but so we may help others who are in need. Certainly, our primary financial responsibility is to provide for our families. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (I Timothy 5:8). Once our family’s needs have been met, we have an obligation to our fellow believers. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10). The early Church had a great witness and testimony that we should emulate. “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” (Acts 4:34). No believer did without, if he had a need. If one Christian had the ability to meet a lack in the life of another believer, he did so. Take note that he didn’t send the destitute brother to the benevolence committee or the church food pantry. (These ministries are helpful, but have we created them to meet a need or so that we can “minister” without getting our hands dirty?) The responsibility for ministry in the Church is placed upon us as individuals. We are to meet the needs of our spiritual leaders (I Corinthians 9:9), to spread the gospel (Philippians 4:15-18), and to minister to the poor and needy in our community (Galatians 2:10). Men of God, do not shirk your spiritual obligations. Do not pass the buck to the church or ministry staff. Help those God sends your way, if you have the ability to do so.