The Gift of Helping

My wages were cut during the pandemic, and after
paying rent we had very little left for food. It was
humbling to accept help because we normally take
care of ourselves.

We didn’t want pity, but we were grateful
for the help.

Helping others during a time of crisis seems so simple.
Yet helping can have a different meaning and impact
depending on how it is given and who receives it.

For some people, helping is simply the act of providing
goods or services for those who can’t provide for
themselves. For others, helping expresses love and
concern for the well-being of another person.
Offering help may be motivated by generosity or tainted
by pity and guilt. Needing help may feel like a weakness
or failure. Receiving help may inspire relief, gratitude,
and hope.

Helping people in need, when it is done with sincere
understanding, compassion, and love can have a lasting
impact. Helping others can show people what God is like
and how much he loves them. Consider the messages
about helping in this story from the life and ministry
of Jesus.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good
news of the kingdom and healing every disease
and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had
compassion on them, because they were harassed
and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame,
the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others,
and laid them at his feet; and he healed them.

The people were amazed when they saw the mute
speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking
and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of
Israel. Matthew 9:35–36; 15:30–31

Whenever you help someone, consider the possible
meaning and impact of your actions. Pray for God to help
you to understand and respond to people in need in the
same way that Jesus did.

Ask God to bless your gift of service so
that people will recognize God’s love
for them. Praise him for his goodness.