Humanitarian

<<promoting human welfare>>

This is an active belief in the value of human life, whereby people practice benevolent treatment and provide assistance to others in order to better humanity. Christians endeavouring to promote the welfare of disadvantaged people have initiated the majority of hospitals, orphanages

Evil will triumph if good people do not attempt to combat it

and aid programmes in the developing world. Christ stepped into our predicament and we can show our gratitude to Him in a small measure by giving to those less fortunate. Rather than providing continual handouts that create dependency, a better option is to assist with a short-term ‘hand-up’ so the recipients can become self-sufficient – which also increases their self-worth. “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov 31:9). God’s people are to help anyone in need, and in fact, we serve God most when we serve others (Prov 14:21; Mt 5:42, 25:40; Lk 6:31, 10:30-37).