What are you doing about helping others? So often, I believe, we try to make our acts of service so grand and over the top that we fail to really see the small acts of service that we could be achieving on a daily basis.
What about the little girl without a mommy that you could invite to go shopping or to a Mother/Daughter event? Or a basketball game and Christ centered conversation with the young man who doesn’t have a father figure in his life? How about the elderly couple or single mom next door that need their weeds pulled or the garage cleaned out? What about simply offering a tissue to a child that is crying in Wal-Mart? Merely offering a helping hand to push a wheelchair over a curb in a crowd of people who are watching as someone struggles. We are called to love one another and one way we can do that is by helping others year round, truly identifying simple needs and reaching out without expecting anything in return. Daily putting our love in action as the opportunities arise.
- “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”– Mother Teresa
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa
“Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” – Mother Teresa
Think about this, if God doesn’t view our sins on levels then why would he view our acts of service on levels? James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. Jesus washed feet, why shouldn’t we pull weeds if we truly want to serve like He did, humbly without pride? God will always honor a humble servant and dislikes people filled with pride and self-centered motives.
Let’s keep in mind that doing these small acts should never negate the larger acts of service and put us in a “that’s good enough” state of mind. If you are having a difficult time recognizing service opportunities, try to identify a special group of people you may be passionate about helping. Consider the interests and talents that God has given you and ask Him for the wisdom to figure out which people group you can focus on helping. But don’t let this “box you in” and follow as God leads you daily. Some suggestions to consider:
- Children who are struggling in school and need tutoring
- Elderly assistance in a nursing home or in-home care
- People who suffer from a certain diseases, like cancer
- Prison ministries
- Homeless or hunger initiatives
- International Missions projects
- Disaster Relief projects
- Families in Crisis
- Crisis Pregnancy initiatives
- Building and construction projects
When you help people in a way that you’re passionate about, you’ll discover the thrill of fulfilling more of God’s purposes for your life. Click here for more ideas…
Meet The Need encourages you to serve with a cheerful heart and with the love of God not because of the rewards you will reap but because when you serve you imitate Jesus and are pleasing to the Lord.
