In what ways can we support those facing financial hardship in our community?

The Cry of Nehemiah’s People

Nehemiah 5:3: “Others were saying, ‘We have had to mortgage our fields, vineyards, and homes to get grain during the famine.’”

Families surrendered their livelihood just to eat—an ancient picture of the financial strains many face today.

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Recognizing Modern Hardships

• Job loss or reduced hours

• Crushing medical or student debt

• Skyrocketing housing and food costs

• Single-parent budgets stretched thin

• Seniors or disabled neighbors on fixed incomes

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Biblical Principles for Support

• Open-handed generosity—Deuteronomy 15:7-8

• Love in action, not words—1 John 3:17-18

• Bear one another’s burdens—Galatians 6:2

• Reject exploitation—Nehemiah 5:10-11

• Give cheerfully—2 Corinthians 9:7

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Practical Ways to Respond

Financial help

• Church benevolence fund for rent, utilities, medical bills

• Zero-interest micro-loans that mirror Nehemiah’s refusal of usury

Resource sharing

• Food pantry, community garden, bulk-buy co-ops

• Shared vehicles, tools, childcare

Employment support

• Résumé workshops, skill training, job leads

• Hire within the church family when possible (Acts 2:44-45)

Debt-relief advocacy

• Negotiate with creditors alongside struggling families

• Teach biblical stewardship—Proverbs 27:23

Relational encouragement

• Regular visits, shared meals, listening ears

• Pair each family in hardship with a committed care partner

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Guarding Hearts Against Exploitation

• Give to honor Christ, not to gain leverage

• Keep assistance confidential to protect dignity

• Refuse predatory lending, echoing Nehemiah’s rebuke (Nehemiah 5:9-12)

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Promised Blessings for Generous Living

• “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD” (Proverbs 19:17)

• “Your light will rise in the darkness” (Isaiah 58:10-11)

• “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38)