Bible Society of South Africa

The pursuit of wealth and prosperity should not be our most important goals. According to the Bible, God blesses us so that – after we have provided for our own basic needs – we have enough to provide for the needs of other. God has placed the poor, the sick, the orphans, the widows and the foreigners under our care. He will judge our faith according to how we treat them. Social responsibility is more than a public relations exercise. It should be a reflection of a true and honest service to God.

"But don’t forget to help others and share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God." Hebrews 13:16

"If you forget to bring in a stack of harvested grain, don’t go back in the field to get it. Leave it for the poor, including foreigners, orphans, and widows, and the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. When you harvest your olives, don’t try to get them all for yourself, but leave some for the poor. And when you pick your grapes, go over the vines only once, then let the poor have what is left. You lived in poverty as slaves in Egypt until the Lord your God rescued you. That’s why I am giving you these laws." Deuteronomy 24:19-22

"Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.’’ Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?’’ The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any, of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.’’ Matthew 25:34-40

"Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil." James 1:27

"Caring for the poor is lending to the Lord, and you will be well repaid." Proverbs 19:17

"If you won’t help the poor, don’t expect to be heard when you cry out for help." Proverbs 21:13

"We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. That’s why we must give our lives for each other. If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God." 1 John 3:16-17

The Bible tells us clearly what God expects of us. What you receive from his hand is not just for your own use. He expects us to share with others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Son gave His life for us. Help us by your Holy Spirit not to forget those who have less than us. Help us to share what we have with others with love. Amen