September 28, 2025

One of the earliest descriptions we have of the New Testament church involves its effort to care for the physical needs of its members (Acts 2:44-45). The earliest example is of a body of people who cared deeply for one another and took practical steps to ensure that all the needs within the community of believers were met. Later in Acts when Paul goes to Jerusalem to address potential issues between Jewish and gentile Christians there is a discussion of doctrinal agreement but added to that is a request to “remember the poor” Paul points out that this was something he was already eager to do (Gal 2:1-10). Jesus’ ministry is described as one which “preaches good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18; Mat 11:5). 

It’s hard to imagine a human heart that has concern for people’s souls that is unconcerned for their physical provision. James describes a person whose faith is dead with the example of seeing a brother who is in need and doing nothing about it. Jesus expressed his compassion by healing and preaching. We often see these two elements together (Mat 4:23; 9:35; Lk 9:6; 9:10). Paul admonishes us to do good to all men especially those of the household of faith (Gal 6:10). 

Perhaps even to a greater degree than our other priorities, helping people with their physical needs is linked to helping people with their spiritual needs. It’s a cliché but with good reason; people don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care. If we want to reach people with the gospel of Christ there is no better way to build credibility than demonstrating our intentions by our behaviours and addressing people’s needs in a meaningful way. 

It must be noted at this juncture that we can’t overstate the importance of benevolence, but we must also understand that it is not and end in itself. I have known to many churches and to many individual Christians who do something kind or helpful and then stop there, never having mentioned the gospel. We can grant that occasions may crop up in which we help someone and don’t get an appropriate opening for the gospel. However, we need to maintain a constant awareness that our primary goal is to establish a relationship between men and God. It is not enough to satisfy physical need and our own ego while ignoring the eternal. 

May God Bless us in our efforts to reach people with the saving truth of the gospel

~ Kevin Cleary