Exodus 23:5
If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
Exodus 23:5 was part of the instruction given to Moses on the mount, given by Christ Himself, among the statutes and directions given to Israel. It was meant to guard against doing injustice and to guard the interests of the people, to guide their dealings with one another, and it showed the impartiality and high standard of God's requirements. It is to be obeyed and taught today just as verily as by Israel then. Practical obedience to its principles is the condition for receiving God's promised reward and for living in communication with Him.
If the donkey of one who hates you is seen lying, fallen, or crushed beneath its burden, help must surely be given to relieve it, and help must not be forborne or withheld because of hostility or reluctance. The verse requires kindness even to personal enemies. All contention is to cease, with brotherly love and with softened and subdued hearts.
Its mercy extends even to animals that cannot voice their need. The duty to help a suffering human being is all the stronger.