Hello there!
When you see someone who is upset or stressed, what do you do? Do you pretend not to notice, or do you offer comfort? Do you try to help as much as possible to make them feel better, or do you go about your business as if nothing’s wrong? Sometimes helping others is awkward – when you don’t know what to say or do – but that is not an excuse to ignore comforting them.
“So in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Matthew 7:12
You have probably heard this said a lot, but I challenge you to read it slowly and re-understand what this Bible verse says. How often do we actually do to/for others what we would want done to/for us? Sometimes, it feels like it is easier to remember this verse only after the moment. But always remember: you do not know what is going on in someone’s life. We might think that mom with five noisy kids is being disrespectful by not quieting her children; or that man who cut in the grocery check out area is being rude, but we don’t know anything about those people – who they are or what they’re going through. Are you willing to help comfort strangers in the face of trials? Even though we don’t, God knows what a difference we can make. Gestures as small as smiling and saying hello to a stranger can mean the world to someone.
This goes for family and friends, too! Seeing the same people every day can somewhat make us blind to when they are hurting. Spending quality time is crucial to any relationship. Go out to the park and take a walk with a family member or friend, and ask what they’re thinking about. Visit a local café and just talk – about anything! Sometimes talking about random things (i.e. a bird that just flew by; an interesting photo you saw the other day) can mean more to someone than talking about what is bothering them. Some people don’t like opening up, and pushing them to can cause more stress than help. But if you spend a little bit of quality time frequently, it shows the other person that you care.
I recently read an article (Link Here) that spoke to me. It said:
Ministry is:
Listening when you’d rather fix the problem.
Searching for the joy when it’s easier to say “It’s not fair.”
Helping, when you feel like you’re the one that needs the help.
Telling God “Use me” when you’d rather ask to be rescued.
Encouraging, even when you don’t see God’s reasoning.
Hugging when it feels awkward.
Saying “let’s pray right now” instead of “I’ll pray for you.”
Serving, when you doubt you have anything left to give.
Comforting, by being the flicker of light in others’ dark caverns.
All of these acts take courage – and I know you have it! Often, our thoughts about what others will think of us can cloud our vision of what is right. Whether you fear rejection of your help, or what the people around the situation will think, you need to remember: You are reaching out and being kind to someone, and God will appreciate your good works. And as far as the people around you go – if they aren’t willing to help whoever is in need, we need not fear their judgement.
Thank you for reading, I hope this helps refresh your courage to help others! 🙂
Chick & Co.
Living the Sweet Life
Chick & Co. 