Compassion for those in need must begin with those in our physical family (1 Tim. 5:8), then broaden to include as our next priority those in our spiritual family (Acts 2:45; 4:32-37; 6:1-6; James 2:15-17; 1 John 3:16-17), and finally, though less obligatory, be expanded to help non-Christians in the world (Gal. 6:10).

While our first priority for benevolence is to address the needs of our church family, we are also poised to give add to special needs in other churches, our immediate community, in other states, and around the world, especially in times of disaster.