What I noticed is that Christians can be the most loving, but also the most naive people that there are. Have you ever wondered why so many Christians have financial or physical issues? Some of the reasons may be the good heart that believers have towards other people: willing to help, supporting financially, etc. But in the end, they lose everything that they have. And when Christians don’t help, people tell them that they should love their neighbor, or that if you do support that you do it for God. Christians are – sadly – easy to manipulate… This blog aims to give you more insight into loving your neighbor, and to what extent you are called to help your neighbor.
Loving your neighbor: the good Samaritan
Let’s walk through the story of the good Samaritan from Luke 10. The parable that Jesus tells covers the question of who your neighbor is. Jesus says that a certain man fell among thieves, was stripped of his raiment, got wounded, and was left half dead. First of all, a certain priest saw him, but he passed on the other side. Later a Levite, who looked on the wounded man, but also passed on the other side. Later, a Samaritan saw the man and had compassion on him. The Samaritan bound up the wounds of the man, set him on his beast, and brought him to an inn to take care of him.
The answer on who your neighbor is mentioned in verses 36-37: Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
The relationship between Samaritans and Jews in ancient times was tense and often hostile, which is a big reason why the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37 KJV) would have been so shocking to Jesus’ original audience. Therefore, it shows us that we are even called to love those who hate us. So, does that mean that when we can help someone, that we have to help, no matter what?
- To find out more about the enmity between Jews and Samaritans, you can read this blog.
Loving your neighbor: manipulation
God calls us to take care of our own family, but also of our family in Christ. Galatians 6:10 calls us to do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. I do think that this verse could have something to do with Matthew 5:46, which says: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? It is easy to love your husband, wife, children, mother, or father. But it could be a different story to love your brother or sister in Christ.
However, I do believe that it is very important to take care of your own house first. I believe that if you at least try to be faithful, that God will reward you. For example, it is easy to ask a brother in Christ for money to help you pay off your debts. If your brother helps you, you can say that he will be blessed by God. However, this can be manipulation. I do believe that it is first of all important to try to solve your own problems, before you let other “good” and “faithful” Christians participate in your problems. There is nothing wrong in asking for prayer, but you also have to work.
Let’s look at the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3. Paul says that he didn’t behave himself disorderly among his brethren. Neither did he eat any man’s bread for nought, but he worked and travailed night and day so that he might not be chargeable to any of his brethren. Now, the Bible says that a laborer is worthy of his reward (1 Timothy 5:17-18), but Paul does admit that he tried to be an example unto those that followed him. So, Paul is saying that he prefers people to work hard and fix their own problems, instead of expecting or asking from his brethren in the faith. Paul even says:
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
This means that we are called to work with our own hands, at our proper callings, and so support ourselves, provide for our families, and have something to give to them that are in need; by which means we will live peaceable and quiet lives, in godliness and honesty, and not disturb the peace of neighbourhoods, churches, and families. So, we can help people, but people who need help also have to try to take care of their own. We have to be very careful, because if we help everyone, we can fall into manipulation.
Love your neighbor as yourself: be prayerful
Loving your neighbor as yourself, or as you would that people should do to you, do you even so to them (Matthew 7:12). It is very good to help one another, to bear each other’s burdens, etc. The Apostles in the Bible did share a lot, but I believe this is only possible when you trust each other completely and when you are prayerful and spiritually minded. We have to be aware of wolves in sheep’s clothing, so we cannot just get yoked together with any believer. The only way to know if we should help someone is to pray.
Some people always seem to have problems, but sometimes helping them will not bring about a change in their situation. Some people help the poor with “only” 500 Dollars, but some months or years later, that poor person might have found Christ and got a well-paid job. Now, that is a change! Some people get $50 today, and tomorrow they also need $50 for the same issue. It might be better to advise them to seek God to find out the root issue of their problem, so that they can get permanent help. Giving advice is also a form of helping, which might bring more fruit than giving $50.
My advice is to be prayerful always. When you are in your room, or prayer meeting, try to pray that God will give you eyes to see and ears to hear. Pray that God gives you discernment and wisdom on what to do when you encounter someone who seems to need help. It can be difficult, and you might make mistakes, but learn from them and don’t blame yourself. A practical thing to do is to daily anoint your eyes, ears, and forehead, and to pray that God will open your spiritual senses. Believe me, you will see a change. And trust in your ability to hear and sense the voice of God. I hope this blog helped you to understand more about loving your neighbor and to what extent you can help. God bless you!
May the good Lord guide you and keep you in all the ways you go. Be prayerful, and be blessed!
FAQ
To the extent that we don’t bring ourselves under someone’s power to become a slave. It is good to help, but it is as important that the person who needs help does at least try to take care of his or her own house. Look at the fruits and ask God for guidance and wisdom.
That depends, but my advice would be to not help someone when you see the same negative patterns. It might be better to advise the person to seek lasting help so that the root issue of their problem can be solved.
That is a difficult question which requires a personal answer. Every situation is different, so there is no one answer. However, it is very important to be prayerful and to seek God’s face to know when we should give and how we should give.