Which New Testament teachings align with Leviticus 25:35's message on aiding others? Leviticus 25:35 – Foundation for Compassion “If your brother becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, you are to sustain him as you would a foreigner or temporary resident, so that he can continue to live among you.” Jesus’ Direct Teaching • Matthew 25:35-40 – “I was hungry and you gave Me food… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these My brothers, you did for Me.” • Luke 6:30-36 – “Give to everyone who asks you… be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” • Luke 10:30-37 – The Good Samaritan model: practical, costly care for a stranger in need. Early-Church Example • Acts 2:44-45 – “All the believers were together and had everything in common… they would sell their property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to anyone who had need.” • Acts 4:32-35 – No needy persons among them because resources were shared freely. • 1 Timothy 5:3-16 – Specific instructions on supporting widows in the fellowship. Paul’s Instructions to Congregations • Romans 12:13 – “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 – Call for equality so no believer is left in want. • Galatians 6:2, 10 – “Carry one another’s burdens… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” • Ephesians 4:28 – Work so you “may have something to share with one in need.” James and John on Genuine Faith • James 2:14-17 – Faith without deeds is dead; meeting material needs proves living faith. • 1 John 3:16-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion on him, how can the love of God abide in him? Let us love not in word and speech but in action and truth.” Connecting the Covenants • Leviticus 25:35 gives the timeless principle: God’s people tangibly uphold the life of the vulnerable. • Jesus amplifies it, tying our treatment of the needy directly to Himself. • The apostles establish it as normal church life—voluntary, sacrificial sharing. • The epistles insist that real faith and love always take on practical form. Living the Principle Today • Keep eyes open for “brothers” and “foreigners” alike who cannot “support themselves among you.” • Budget generosity: plan to give, not merely react. • Offer both immediate relief (food, housing help) and long-term support (skill training, employment networking). • Practice hospitality—invite the struggling into your circle so they can “continue to live among you.” • Encourage the church family to coordinate efforts, reflecting the Acts model of unified care. God’s unchanging heart for the poor flows seamlessly from Leviticus to the New Testament, calling believers now to the same active, compassionate obedience. |
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