Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "helpings" refers to the act of providing assistance, support, or aid to others. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, where believers are encouraged to help one another as an expression of love and obedience to God's commandments. Helpings can manifest in various forms, including physical assistance, emotional support, financial aid, and spiritual guidance.

Old Testament References:
The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the principle of helping others. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the Israelites are commanded to be open-handed toward their fellow countrymen: "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This directive emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion.

Proverbs 19:17 highlights the blessings associated with helping the poor: "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse underscores the belief that God rewards those who show mercy and kindness to those in need.

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of helping others, particularly within the Christian community. In Galatians 6:2, believers are instructed to "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This passage reflects the communal aspect of the early church, where mutual support and assistance were vital.

Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of helping others through His ministry. In Matthew 25:35-40, He teaches that acts of kindness toward others are acts of service to Him: "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you looked after Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." This passage highlights the importance of practical help and the eternal significance of such actions.

Spiritual Gifts and Helpings:
The concept of helpings is also linked to the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul lists "helping" as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church: "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues." This indicates that some individuals are specially equipped by God to provide assistance and support within the body of Christ.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to actively seek opportunities to help others, reflecting the love of Christ in their actions. This can be done through acts of charity, volunteering, offering counsel, or simply being present for those in need. The Bible calls for a selfless attitude, as seen in Philippians 2:4: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Conclusion:
The biblical principle of helpings is a call to action for believers to embody the love and compassion of Christ in their daily lives. By helping others, Christians not only fulfill God's commandments but also bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Glorious Predestination
... He has written concerning the spirit of bondage, and the spirit of adoption, the
infirmities of the flesh, and the helpings of the spirit; the waiting for the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/glorious predestination.htm

Recommendation.
... it is the upholdings and helpings of this right hand, enlarging the man's heart,
that makes a running in the ways of his commandments; it is he who, while the ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/recommendation.htm

Helpings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Helpings (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 12:28 And
some, indeed, did God set in the assembly, first apostles ...
/h/helpings.htm - 6k

Helpless (27 Occurrences)

/h/helpless.htm - 14k

Helping (35 Occurrences)

/h/helping.htm - 17k

Governings (1 Occurrence)
... did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers,
afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers ...
/g/governings.htm - 6k

Afterwards (143 Occurrences)
... did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers,
afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers ...
/a/afterwards.htm - 36k

Healers (1 Occurrence)
... did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers,
afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers ...
/h/healers.htm - 6k

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