“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
Christians are called to support each other. This can be very practical, in showing hospitality and sharing material blessings with poor brothers and sisters, with those who have left their own homes to serve in mission, or with those who suffer from persecution. This happened in Jerusalem, in the early days of the church, when believers stayed together and shared everything. We also read in Paul’s letters how fellow Christians supported him on his missionary journeys and when he was imprisoned for his faith.
Mutual help can also be spiritual, by rebuking and restoring believers who are caught in a sin, or by helping each other with our troubles (see Galatians 6:1-2), or by teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16).
This service is a blessing both for the receiving and for the giving side, since the Lord promises that He will enrich us in every way to be generous in every way, and that He will increase the harvest of our righteousness. Moreover, “the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Corinthians 9:10-12).
How can you contribute to the needs of fellow believers?