Tag: helping others

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Generous people prosper blessings

close up photograph of person praying in front lined candles


Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered.” This powerful verse speaks to the incredible blessings that flow from a heart dedicated to blessing others by giving and serving. The previous verses say, “The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (vs. 23-24).

There are ample opportunities to bless other people. And our desire to do so really matters. Remember, “the desire of the righteous only ends in good.” In other words, desire to do righteousness and goodness follows. The more generous we are with our time, resources, talents, and money, the more good that is done in the world. Put another way, generosity begets generosity.

Generosity is not a burden. The Bible has lots to say about being kind and compassionate towards others. It has a lot to say about blessing others. Imagine if the heroes of the Bible were stingy with their time. What if they chose to “do their own thing” instead of following the calling that God gave them? We need to remember that following God and being generous will prosper the blessings!

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Hands That Heal: Compassion in Action

Matthew 14:14 tells us, “When Jesus went ashore he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Jesus, tired as he was, exercised compassion to the crowd of thousands as soon as they reached the shore. In a world often characterized by indifference and isolation, showing compassion is more crucial than ever. It requires us to step outside our comfort zones and extend a helping hand to those in need. This can manifest in countless ways, from offering a listening ear to a friend struggling with grief to volunteering to feed the hungry.

Practical acts of compassion can take many forms. Physically, we can offer help with chores, provide transportation, or help fix up someone’s house. We can also contribute to organizations that provide essential services like food banks, shelters, and healthcare clinics. Emotionally, we can offer a shoulder to lean on, a comforting word, or simply our presence. Active listening, genuine empathy, and unconditional support can have a huge impact on someone’s mental and emotional well-being.

Ultimately, compassion is a choice. It is a conscious decision to prioritize the needs of others above our own. By embracing compassion in our daily lives, we not only help those in need but also enrich our own lives with meaning and purpose. As we reach out to others with kindness and understanding, we create a ripple effect of compassion that can transform our communities and make the world a more compassionate and just place for everyone.

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Give Willingly and Cheerfully

monk surrounded by children

As we begin to close this year out with our theme of straining toward the goal, we should be reminded to give freely and joyfully. There are a lot of struggling people all around us and that struggle stretches world-wide. The needs are endless. But so are the opportunities to serve our neighbors. When our eyes are opened to the endless needs, it’s easy to get compassion fatigue. I think of the beggars at the Temple where people were so conditioned to walk right past them without giving them a second thought. People going into the temple to worship were probably tired of seeing the steps littered with the same people begging day after day. Yet their needs were great and their level of desperation was great.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he told them to arrange a contribution in advance of his visit, “so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction” (2 Corinthians 9:5). He expanded upon that thought: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (vs. 6). Paul was not telling them to tithe. He never gave them a dollar amount. In fact, he said, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (vs. 7).

God never fowns upon generous hearts. Whether we give of our time, our funds, or our compassion, God blesses us in return. God is able to make grace abound so that “you may abound in every good work” (vs. 8). The point is not just to blindly give money, but instead to produce a crop of righteousness. This, in turn, produces thanksgiving to God. Our attitude toward helping makes all the difference in the world. It is good to be willing and cheerful in our giving!

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Always Look for the Helpers

here to help lettering text on black background

Mr. Rogers famously said that his mom used to tell him to always look for the helpers. She went on to explain that if we focus on the evil going on in the world we will lose perspective. There are always helpers out there sacrificing their time and efforts to help those in need. People will always have hope when they know that there are helpers who are willing to step in and assist those in need. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” And who can forget when Jesus made a distinction between sheep and wolves? What separated them was how they treated (or neglected) those in need.

Over and over again the scriptures command us to be helpers to those in need, pointing people to the generous heart of God. God cares for his people and expects his people to care for others. Always look for the helpers. There will be a time when we need helpers too. We have to live our lives in a way that brings honor to God. Our sacrifices for others do not go unnoticed by our Father.

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Help for Weary Hands

ukrainian couple tearfully reuniting during war

Not long after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea they became hungry and started to complain. The wilderness was quite brutal. They were in one of the most hostile places on the planet, where the daytime temperatures get very brutal. When they complained, God provided bread from heaven. When they moved camp the became thirsty and were angry with Moses. Moses cried to the Lord: “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me” (Exodus 17:4 ESV).

To add injury to insult, when God provided water the Amelekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Rephidim was a place that had fertile ground, a rare site in the desert. Here the flocks could find pasture and it seemed like Israel had found a place of peace. But the battle would prove otherwise. Based on Moses’ response with the water situation it appears he was very burned out. Retaliation against him was a reality.

Moses persisted, though: “Tomorrow I will sand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand” (vs. 9). As long as Moses held up his hand Israel was winning. But when his hands grew weary they would start to lose. Aaron and Hur put a rock under Moses and held his hands up until the sun set. “And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword” (vs. 13). This is a reminder to us to be present for people who are fighting spiritual battles. Moses couldn’t have done this alone even though he possessed the staff of God in his hand. We all need support and this is what helps us make it to the next day!

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Devote Yourselves To Good Works

men consoling each other in a prater rally

Paul wrote to Titus and told him to remind the saints to “be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1, 2 ESV). Paul said that we ourselves were disobedient, foolish, led astray, and so on. Paul creates no illusion that he nor anyone else was a goody two shoes.

But they–in fact, we all–need reminders to be devoted to every good work. Paul says that we were saved not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to God’s own mercy. God poured out his Holy Spirit on us through Jesus Christ our Savior. We were justified by his grace and are now heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Paul goes on to say, “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people” (vs. 8). This is a healthy reminder to be devoted to every good work for the purpose of being profitable for the kingdom. This benefits other people and they will come to know God through us.

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Approaching the Throne With Confidence

grayscale photo of the crucifix

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This passage is in the bigger context of Jesus being our high priest. This passage is important because we should be able to come to God with confidence (the word used here means to be able to speak freely and unhindered).

One of the biggest things that trips up Christians is the lack of belief in ourselves because of our sins or shortcomings. Earlier, this passage says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (vs. 15). This is vital because, oftentimes, our sin leaves us feeling guilty and unequipped to carry out the works of God’s kingdom.

Our lack of confidence leads to a downward spiral, where we feel like even God isn’t on our side. It’s vital, as the church, to have confidence in approaching God’s throne of grace. Without grace we will always flounder and hesitate to do good works. However, when we have confidence we won’t hesitate to do what’s right in the eyes of God, because we know that we have already received his grace. Hesitation turns into procrastination, and procrastination leads to stagnation.