1. Bible has very strong words towards those who aren’t compassionate.

Proverbs 17:5 (NLT) Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

Proverbs 21:13 (NLT) Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.

Proverbs 28:27 (NLT) Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

2. Has to be lived-out in the church, if it’s going to be lived outside the church.

James 2:15-17 (NLT) 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Romans 12:13 (NLT) 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

3. God commands us to give a portion to the poor.

Leviticus 19:9-10 (NLT) 9 “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. 10 It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.

4. We are to use discernment.

Matthew 10:16 (NLT) 16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT) 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”

Proverbs 10:4 (NLT) 4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

5. God rewards those who are compassionate.

Matthew 10:42 (NLT) 42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Proverbs 19:17 (NLT) 17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!