The concept of Divine help in Christianity
According to Christianity, Divine help refers to the assistance or support believed to be provided by a higher power during times of need or adversity. This concept encompasses guidance that enables believers to live according to God's commands and fulfill their divine calling. It emphasizes reliance on spiritual resources, often sought through prayer and faith, reminding individuals of their need for divine support in overcoming challenges and maintaining moral integrity. Divine help is vital for personal growth and navigating life's difficulties.
Synonyms: Spiritual assistance, Celestial aid, Heavenly support, Divine intervention, Spiritual aid, Godly intervention, Divine assistance, Supernatural assistance
In Dutch: Goddelijke hulp; In Finnish: Jumalallinen apu; In Spanish: Ayuda divina; In German: Göttliche Hilfe; In Malay: Pertolongan ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig hjälp; In French: Aide divine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine help'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Without much prayer there will be little consciousness of weakness or dependence on divine help, which is necessary for the work ahead.[1] (2) The text refers to assistance from a higher power, suggesting the support or guidance that is believed to come from a divine source.[2] (3) The opposite of recognizing one's helplessness, representing the recognition of faith in God, as the text describes.[3] (4) This concept is suggested in the beggar's name, implying a reliance on faith and a potential source of support in times of hardship.[4] (5) The author says to keep ourselves by that divine help which is always waiting to be given, in the faith and love of God.[5]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Assistance provided by a higher power, often through prayers or spiritual support.[6]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The desire to learn the future and to get aid from a higher power is a fundamental aspect of magic and divination, which God met by revelation through the prophets.[7]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Divine help is mentioned as something that nature could not accomplish so great a work without.[8] (2) This can be obtained by redeeming sins through almsgivings and unrighteousness through mercies to the poor, according to the counsel given to King Nebuchodonosor.[9] (3) Divine help was concurring in certain prophetic declarations, and seizing the truth in portions and aspects, according to the provided text.[10] (4) Aid from a divine source, which is needed for improvement among men, and is especially asserted regarding Jesus, when comparing the former lives of many converts to His doctrine.[11] (5) The assistance provided by God in performing significant events or miracles, particularly concerning Jesus.[12]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This is what devotion leads to the hope of, which can cause joy, according to the text.[13] (2) The support and guidance given by God to enable individuals to will and act according to His purpose.[14] (3) Assistance from God required for humans to act correctly and perceive truth.[15] (4) The assistance provided by God that enables individuals to dispose themselves toward salvation.[16]
From: The city of God
(1) This is the assistance from God that is essential for maintaining a good will, which can be rejected by choosing to forsake God and embrace self-pleasing.[17]
The concept of Divine help in local and regional sources
Divine help denotes the support granted by God, as evidenced by the calming of the storm through bishops' prayers and the Britons' appeals for protection from destruction, showcasing the belief in higher power intervention.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The guidance and support one receives in striving for personal and spiritual growth, as emphasized by both Rammohan Roy and Gandhi.[18] (2) Assistance provided by the divine, often sought by devotees in their time of need.[19] (3) The assistance from a higher power, as humanity is depicted as waiting for in the poem.[20] (4) Spiritual assistance sought by Dasaradha to overcome his inability to have sons through natural means.[21] (5) Assistance or support from a higher power, which is necessary for human endeavors.[22]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author reflects on the role of Divine help in their life, acknowledging its presence while simultaneously expressing the heavy burden and suffering it has brought upon them.[23] (2) Reliance on divine help is, in the Shastras, the culmination of human achievement, but in the present day, it can be a sign of great cowardliness.[24] (3) The text discusses the concept of reliance on Divine help, its significance in human achievement, and the potential for misinterpretation.[25]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The assistance granted by God in response to the bishops' prayers, leading to the calming of the storm.[26] (2) Assistance or support believed to be provided by a higher power, implored by the Britons to avoid destruction.[27]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The assistance Nama seeks from God to fulfill his vow of singing praises, emphasizing the dependence on divine intervention.[28]