Our Responsibility In Caring For The Needy
	Everything we do in word or deed, whether individually or collectively, is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17). In either case glory is given unto God in the church and in Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:21).		Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him"	Ephesians 3:21 "to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen"
	We should love all men, even those who choose to be our enemies. God sends good blessings (sunshine and rain) on the evil (Matt. 5:43-48).		Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust .46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect"
	Judgement will be on the basis of the moral treatment of the needy, etc. (Matt. 25:31-46).
	Jesus commended the Samaritan who took care of the needs of the man who fell among robbers (Luke 10:30-37).		Luke 10:36-37  “So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
	Barnabas sold a tract of land in order to assist the needy in Jerusalem (Acts 4:32-37).		Acts 4:32-37 "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
	Dorcas abounded in “deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did” (Acts 9:36,39).		Acts 9:36 "At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did"	39 "Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them"
	Paul showed by example that Christians should work hard and help the weak. he quotes Jesus as saying “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:34-35).		Acts 20:34-35 “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 “I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
	The household of Stephanas was commended because they “devoted themselves for ministry to the saints.” Others are urged to help in such work (1 Cor. 16:15-16).		1 Corinthians 16:15-16 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labours with us.