Christians are called to serve others and we all need inspiration and biblical reinforcement for what we do. Hence, there are bible verses about volunteering.
The Bible frequently praises the virtuous nature of helping those in need which is the essence of volunteering.
According to the scripture, it is right to give our time and/or money when we have acquired success in life and are able to do so.
However, in this article we are looking at 20 Bible verses about volunteering.
WHY DOES GOD WANT US TO VOLUNTEER
God loves and cares for those in need through us. One theme that runs all throughout the Bible is that God closely identifies with and cares for the plight of the poor, and that to serve them is to serve Him.
Consequently, when we volunteer, we do that with humility, knowing that we’re working with those God dearly loves.
Also, God wants us to volunteer because He blessed us with gifts and talents to benefit others. The Bible teaches that those who hoard their gifts, not only cheat others, but themselves.
God wants us to volunteer because He made us for this purpose way before we realise it.
As a result, there are bible verses about volunteering.
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WHY IT IS GOOD TO VOLUNTEER AS CHRISTIANS
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. After all, no one is meant to go through life alone. If life has given you blessings, it’s important to share those with your community.
For some people, that could mean volunteering with a local charity or donating to a good cause. For others, sharing blessings might be as simple as having a conversation with someone or lending emotional support to a friend who is going through a tough time.
Volunteering as a Christian reminds us that one crucial way to demonstrate your love for God is to take action here on Earth and help others.
Bringing the Lord’s love into your community is a powerful act. It may not always be easy, but as a person of faith, God calls upon you to serve others and bring his light to them.
In many ways, the act of being charitable is a reward in itself — but many Bible verses note that God will reward your efforts to share his blessings.
Therefore, there are bible verses about volunteering.
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WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
There are lots of Bible verses regarding volunteering. Read through these 20 powerful scripture verses to find inspiration for how you can help others.
1. GALATIANS 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
INSIGHTS: No one does anything alone. You can help friends and family get through life’s big and small obstacles, and they will do the same for you.
2. HEBREWS 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
INSIGHTS: One of the ways you can demonstrate your love for the Lord is to be compassionate and caring towards those you encounter here on Earth. Even small gestures can mean a great deal.
3. JOHN 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
INSIGHTS: Jesus loves us in an extraordinary, incredible way. It’s up to you to take the love you receive from him, and find ways to bring that love and goodwill into your community. John 15:12
4. MATTHEW 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
INSIGHTS: It isn’t always easy to be charitable. Sometimes, you’d rather keep your money, your time, or your energy to yourself. This verse is a gentle reminder to remain openhearted, even when it can be difficult.
5. PROVERBS 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
INSIGHTS: In many ways, the mere act of being charitable is its own reward. But as this verse notes, being compassionate to people who are less fortunate is also something that God will reward.
6. ROMANS 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
INSIGHTS: This short-and-sweet verse doesn’t need much explaining. God wants you to take the blessings you have received and share them with others who you encounter, especially those who are in need.
7. MATTHEW 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
INSIGHTS: Sometimes, helping others is as simple as living an honest and faithful life. By living thoughtfully and honoring God with your words and actions, you can inspire someone to help themselves by doing the same.
8. PROVERBS 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
INSIGHTS: When you do have the ability and the opportunity to help someone, it’s important that you do so. You can’t solve all the world’s problems, but you can be a positive force in the lives you encounter.
9.PHILIPPIANS 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
INSIGHTS: It’s OK to consider what’s best for you and your family, but you should also keep in mind what will be most beneficial for your community. Trust that others are also looking out for your interests as well. Everyone has to work together.
10. MATTHEW 25:44 – 45
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'”
INSIGHTS: This verse is a stark reminder that God is everywhere. Sometimes it can be hard to sense his presence in environments you’re not used to, or when you encounter a stranger in need. Keep your heart open and share his love with the world — it’s the right thing to do.
11. LUKE 3:10-11
What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.'”
INSIGHTS: When life gives you extra blessings — whether it’s food, clothing, money, or something else — the right thing to do is to share those blessings however you can. Let Jesus guide you and show you how you can share with others.
12. JAMES 2:14-17
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
INSIGHTS: Good intentions only go so far. To truly help others, you have to take action in some way. Similarly, you have to be active in your faith in order for it to be truly meaningful.
Asides from bible verses about volunteering, read: 53 Most Inspiring Volunteering Quotes
13. HEBREWS 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
INSIGHTS: If you make it a point to help others, God will take notice. Helping others is one of the best ways you can express your faith, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
14. MATTHEW 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
INSIGHTS: So maybe you can’t literally raise the dead. But what this verse is really saying is that if you’ve lived a life filled with blessings, you have a duty to extend that love to others. You’ve been fortunate enough to have help from God and likely from people in your community, now it’s time to give back.
15. DEUTERONOMY 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'”
INSIGHTS: There will always be someone in need. As a person of faith, you have an obligation to God to help the people in your community who need a hand.
16. PROVERBS 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
INSIGHTS: Knowing that you’ve been able to help someone is its own reward. But as this verse notes, being generous and openhearted means God will also see to it that you are rewarded.
17. MARK 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
INSIGHTS: Christ as an example to us served others, even sacrificed His life for many, so we as His followers should serve others.
18. LUKE 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
INSIGHTS: We should not hate those against us. When we help the needy, we should do it expecting a reward in return.
19. ISAIAH 58:10
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
INSIGHTS: Helping those in need and trouble brings out the inner light inside of us.
20. 1 JOHN 3:18
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”
INSIGHTS: Loving someone shouldn’t be in words alone. Love should be in action and truth. Love should not be manipulative.
Read: 20 Bible Verses About Learning & Education That Will Surprise You
Conclusion
Every act of devoted action to give faithful, informed, regular service to address needs within our communities or on mission trips can embody the very spirit of Christ.
Volunteer work matters especially to Christians because the Lord has called all believers to be active “priests” – to represent God to other people in witness and service, and also to represent other people to God in prayer. These priestly roles define our Christian walk, and this essential ministry service aspect of faith is the epitome of volunteer devotion.
I hope this article inspires us to see volunteering as a service not only to human or our community but also to God