. . . 7. You are pleased when people help you when you are in need. Therefore strive yourself, as much as you can, to help your neighbor in all of his needs. For alms (all good deeds) doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life (Tobit 12:9) the Word of God tells us. Here we must follow a special rule. Namely:
a) We must first, before helping other people help those whom God’s foresight has united us with, i.e., parents, relatives, authorities, benefactors, those under our authority, and fellow believers. St. Paul says concerning the first group, But if any provide not for those of his own house, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an infidel (I Tim. 5:8). Concerning fellow believers the Apostle teaches: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of Faith (Gal. 6:10).
b) Among the above, before others, come to the assistance of those who are especially in need, that is the ill and disabled. . . .
Even if you cannot give them what they specifically need, then at least visit them, serve them in some way, and comfort them. Act in this way even if they are totally ungrateful to you, for Love does not seek its own (I Cor. 13:5), and the Lord will reward you. . .
from How Should We Conduct Ourselves in Relation to Other People? By Metropolitan Gregory of St. Petersburg (1904). Read the entire treatise at the blog Orthodox Christian, the source of this exhortation: http://orthodoxchristian.blogspot.com/2007/02/elements-of-christian-conduct.html
Illustration from http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/pr_misc.aspx
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