The concept of "The Call to Support" in the Bible encompasses the responsibility and privilege of believers to provide assistance, encouragement, and resources to one another, as well as to the broader mission of the Church. This call is rooted in the principles of love, community, and stewardship, which are central to the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The call to support is deeply embedded in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to care for the poor and the needy among them. Leviticus 19:9-10 commands, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God."

In the New Testament, the call to support is further emphasized through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself modeled a life of service and support, as seen in His ministry to the marginalized and His teachings on love and generosity. In Matthew 25:35-36 , Jesus states, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me."

Support within the Christian Community

The early Church exemplified the call to support through their communal living and sharing of resources. Acts 2:44-45 describes this practice: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage highlights the importance of mutual support and the willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of others.

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the need for support within the Christian community. In Galatians 6:2 , he writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This directive underscores the importance of empathy and active involvement in the lives of fellow believers.

Financial Support and Stewardship

Financial support is a significant aspect of the call to support. Believers are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul instructs, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."

The principle of tithing, giving a tenth of one's income, is rooted in the Old Testament and continues to be a practice among many Christians today. Malachi 3:10 states, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts. "See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure."

Support for Mission and Evangelism

The call to support extends beyond the local community to include the global mission of the Church. Believers are called to support missionaries and evangelistic efforts, ensuring that the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth. In Philippians 4:15-16 , Paul commends the Philippian church for their support: "And you Philippians, as well, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again."

Encouragement and Spiritual Support

Support is not limited to material or financial aid; it also includes encouragement and spiritual edification. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, the call to support is a multifaceted biblical mandate that encompasses financial giving, mutual care, encouragement, and active participation in the mission of the Church. It reflects the heart of God for His people to live in community, bearing one another's burdens and advancing His kingdom on earth.