Although, there is no instruction in the Bible for the church not to help unbelievers; some christians contend that it is wrong to take funds from the collection of the church to help unbelievers in need; on the ground that no such example is found in the Bible.
Specifically, some of those that believe in helping believers only often refers to 1 Corinth. 16:1 & 3; coming up with rules for the church treasury been meant for the believers only; when the Bible hardly said something about a church treasury. Some even took it further that a congregation can only help a fellow congregation in emergency cases only.
I remembered some time ago, we seek for assistance as a congregation from another congregation in order for us to complete the congregation’s meeting hall; which was under construction then; as, where we were meeting was not so good for worship. The letter we sent to the congregation was returned back to us that a congregation cannot help another congregation except the congregation is in emergency!
As God would have it, about the same month, we got large sum of money from another congregation as assistance for the roofing; and we were able to roof the hall and moved in. God so kind that we moved when we did, as our former place of worship latter collapsed. Probably, those waiting for emergency before they could help will have had the opportunity to give money to dead bodies to take to heaven or for the injured to pay hospital bills; who knows!
In the Bible, the church is to imitate God and Christ (Eph. 5:1); as we are partakers of God's nature (2 Pet. 1:4); and the church is Christ’s body (Eph. 1:23).
God himself provides help for both believers and unbelievers, Jesus also provides help for both believers and unbelievers (Mat. 5:43-48; Rom. 5:8-10; Tit. 2:11; Heb. 2:9).
Thus, if there is no recorded example of the church helping an unbeliever in the Bible (but I think there is! 2 Cor. 9:13); then we still need to follow God’s example.
Eph. 5:1 Said:
Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children; and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Luke 6:32:
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!
Apart from that, there are instructions for the church to help everyone (though, some contend this).
The instruction to the Galatian church was stated in Galatian 6:10 - Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
The same instruction for the church to help both believers and unbelievers was sent to the Thessalonians by Paul in 1 Thess. 5: 14-15.
14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Paul, in writing to the Corinthian church about contributions of the church said that God is glorified for their subjection to Christ, and their liberal distribution to them (the saints) and unto all men.
2 Cor. 9:13:
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men.
Lastly, Paul encouraged congregations to assist one another, laying emphasis on fair distribution of the church’s wealth; in 2 Corinth. 8:13-15:
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.
Thus, a congregation in need; whether in emergency or not deserve help from other congregations if they actually verify that they are actually in need.
Summarizing with the words of Paul to the Thessalonian church, in 1 Thess. 5: 14-15:
“….brothers and sisters….ever follow that which is good.” - That is, benevolent, kindness, generosity, honesty.
“…Both among yourselves, and to all men” – Which is a universal rule that relates to the infidels, atheist, persecutors and also members of the church; which is the rule that God himself observes toward the unthankful and the thankful (Matthew 5:45).
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