Responding positively to supporting the less privileged Brethren.

Responding positively to supporting the less privilege Brethren.

Acts  11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.  11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.  11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:  11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

The Lord wants all believers to be charitable. This was the attitude of the disciples at Antioch to the plight of the poor Brethren in Jerusalem who were adversely affected by the impact of the global famine.

Both in the old and new testament, you are encouraged to be helpful to the needy.

Proverbs  11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.  11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.  11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Galatians  6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

We see the  example of the bad attitude of the so called believers to the needy.

Luke  10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,  10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

When you choose to help the needy Brethren, you receive great rewards from God.

Hebrews  6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Matthew  25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.  25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Begin to do likewise.

Let us pray.