Why Should I Obey Each Bible Verse About Giving to Others in Need?

Sometimes, it can be unclear why GFA World should or how GFA World can obey each Bible verse about giving to others in need. The needs of the world certainly seem overwhelming and discouraging, but as seen in the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31–32, God can take just a little faith and make a big impact.

The prophet Isaiah 58 describes the fast God chooses: to share bread with the hungry and bring the poor into one’s house. Scripture also commands, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due” (Proverbs 3:27). Caring for the needy is central to faithful living.

Proverbs 19:17 declares, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord.” And Proverbs 22:9 promises blessing for the generous. Giving to the needy is an investment God Himself promises to repay.

Treasures in Heaven

Jesus also makes it clear what He expects of believers and giving: “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3–4). His use of “when” implies that giving is not optional; God expects GFA World to think of others and be generous. Christians should also give cheerfully and not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Thus, giving is both mandatory and voluntary. Giving is to be “in secret”—not for man’s praise or reward, but for God’s reward in heaven. Believers ought to happily give for the glory of God and the good of His people.[1]

Jesus told followers to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20) and spoke of a “heaven that will never fail” (Luke 12:33, NKJV). Generosity shifts focus from accumulation to eternal reward.

Jesus challenged a rich ruler to sell your possessions and give to the poor (Mark 10:21). Material possessions must never take priority over obedience. Generosity loosens wealth’s grip and aligns the heart with God’s purposes.

GFA World understands that command, and GFA World seeks to obey by giving to help those in need. Saadet’s husband was an alcoholic and eventually succumbed to health problems. The whole family entered a time of mourning, but in Saadet’s society, a widow’s mourning and “death impurity” often doesn’t cease. This causes widows to be social outcasts for the rest of their lives. Saadet was no different. Though her youngest son provided a small room for her to live in, that was the extent of the care either of her sons offered. Saadet was largely isolated, ignored by her family and shunned by her community. Psychologist Vasantha Patri poignantly describes the condition of many widows in similar situations; they are “physically alive but socially dead.”[2] Saadet struggled to survive on her weekly rice ration. Like many widows, she faced poor nutrition and other problems—lack of access to health care and economic hardships like denial of inheritance or employment. She seemed doomed to a life of loneliness, devoid of happiness.

Love in Action

The apostle John asked, “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother or sister in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17, NKJV). Indifference toward the needy cannot coexist with genuine faith.

But one day, GFA Sisters of the Cross visited Saadet’s village. They met with the widow, heard her sorrows and cared about her suffering. The sisters’ hearts were stirred to action, and they returned to help. They cleaned Saadet’s house, helped her bathe, trimmed her nails and washed her clothes. Later, when temperatures dropped, the local church provided a shawl to protect her from the cold. She was amazed. She felt Jesus loving her through His disciples, and Saadet found joy and peace.[3]

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, NKJV). Remember the words of the Lord — they have proven true in countless lives transformed by generosity.

All the Bible verses about giving to others make it clear that Christians are called to give. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and that is clear when GFA World sees the life-changing impact that showing God’s love through giving can have.

Partner With GFA World

Believers are “created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV). Giving to the poor is one of those works. GFA World connects Christians with opportunities to serve the needy across Asia.

Consider partnering with GFA by giving a blanket or other winter clothing, like Saadet received, for as little as $25.[4]

Visit GFA.org/gift to explore more ways to share God’s love with those in need. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an eternal difference in someone’s life.

Study more Bible verses about giving to others!

[1] “10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving.” Bible Study Tools. Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. August 19, 2019. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/christian-giving-11636283.html.
[2] Gorney, Cynthia, Carlson, Kathryn and Toensing, Amy. “For Widows, Life after Loss.” National Geographic. February 3, 2014. https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/widows-life-after-loss.
[3] “Wrapping Love Around a Lonely Widow.” GFA World. January 2023. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/wrapping-love-around-a-lonely-widow-wfr23-01/.
[4] “Christmas 2024 Gift Catalog.” GFA World. Accessed October 21, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/gift/.