As Christians we are called upon the love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt 22:39). But, what if in our desire to help we actually hurt the recipients? What if this “help” actually damages and degrades others? If so, then this would not be loving, and would actually be a violation of Christ’s command.
In When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert navigate this sensitive subject. They share personal experience in this area and provide valuable guidance to anyone who wants to help “the least of these” (Matt 25:31-46). In the process they expose that much of what has been done to help the poor has not only hurt the poor, it has also hurt those helping. Required reading for anyone who truly wants to help others, and to also be a good steward of what God has entrusted to their care.