Sharing what you have pleases the Lord

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Heb. 13:16 ESV)

Helping those in need

In the story about Ebenezer Scrooge, usually told at Christmastime, he is asked to contribute to the needs of the poor. He angrily reacts to their request by saying, “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” It's easy to judge Scrooge for what he said, but he is like many today, even Christians, who think it’s the government’s responsibility to take care of the needs of the poor. But, God expects His children to take care of the needy. We are told many times in the Bible to help others in need on His behalf.

Show your faith by your actions

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (James 2:14-17 NLT)

Value others above yourself

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phil. 2:3-4 NIV)

Open your heart to others in need

“But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him.” (1 John 3:17 NASB)

When you help others you are helping Jesus

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” (Matt. 25:37-40 NASB)

You're Lending to God and He will repay you

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and he will repay you!” (Prob. 19:17 NLT)