Handout/Hand-up

<<assistance>>

The golden rule is “Doing to another as we would like done to us” (Lk 6:31). There may come a time when the tables will turn and the benefactor giving
help may require aid (2 Cor 8:14). We should help those in need, offering assistance, gifts or aid as appropriate. Our compassion and faith must be outworked through loving actions not just intentions that are not actioned (Jas 2:15-18; 1 Jn 3:17).

There is a difference between these two expressions as shown by their outcome. Accepting handouts creates the attitude of looking to others to provide, with the recipient thinking this is their on-going right, with no motivation or effort required except to put out their hand and ask. Meanwhile, those receiving a hand-up appreciate being assisted to

Loving Godly wisdom is needed in both situations

self-sufficiency through an encouraging start or short-term assistance enabling them to get back on their feet, then continue to be motivated and empowered to manage without added assistance. Thus they will become self-reliant, able to cope without creating a long-term liability of expectancy, reliance and dependency on handouts. Give a man a fish (handout) and you feed him for a day, yet teach him how to fish (hand-up) and you feed him for a lifetime.