Helpfulness

God's help

God promises his help

Isaiah 41:10 See also Psalm 121:3–4; Matthew 28:20; John 14:16

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

People value God's help

Psalm 118:6–7 See also Deuteronomy 33:29; 2 Chronicles 25:8; Psalm 28:7, Psalm 54:4; Isaiah 50:9; Acts 26:22

The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.

People need God's help

Psalm 94:17 See also Joshua 14:12; Psalm 22:11, Psalm 22:19, Psalm 40:17, Psalm 116:6; Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 63:5; Matthew 9:36; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 118:6–7

Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.

God's help can be withheld

2 Samuel 22:42 See also Job 19:7; Psalm 107:11–13; Hosea 13:9; Zechariah 7:13

They looked, but there was no one to save them — to the LORD, but He did not answer.

God's help is not imposed

Jeremiah 29:12 See also 2 Kings 5:11–12; 2 Chronicles 16:12; 1 Peter 5:6–7

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

People should imitate God's help by being helpful

2 Samuel 9:1; Luke 10:36–37; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 5:1; James 2:14–17

Examples of human helpfulness

Shown to those in need

Luke 10:34 See also 2 Chronicles 28:15; Job 29:15–16; Acts 2:44–45, Acts 4:34–35

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Shown by young people

1 Samuel 2:18, 1 Samuel 17:15, 1 Samuel 17:17, 1 Samuel 20:36; 2 Kings 5:2–3; John 6:9

Shown within marriage

Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:22; Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 31:12, Proverbs 31:20; 1 Peter 3:7

Shown to God's servants

Romans 16:2 See also Joshua 2:4, Joshua 2:15; 1 Kings 17:10–11; Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 16:15–16; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 4:3; Philemon 1:11

Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.

Helpfulness is remembered and rewarded

Matthew 25:34–36 See also Joshua 6:17; 1 Kings 17:14; Romans 16:2

Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 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.’