What Can I Do To Help Others? – Don’t Be Afraid Part 7

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Isaiah 1:17; Luke 3:11; 1 John 4:18-19

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. (Isaiah 1:17 NLT) If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry. (Luke 3:11 NLT) 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear…19 We love each other because he loved us first. (1 John 4:18-19 NLT)

The best answer to the “How can I help?” question comes from a message I remember from Pastor Steve Mickel: “Do what love requires!” As Spirit-guided followers of Jesus, we can prayerfully face each day’s new information, new guidelines, new restrictions and simply ask, “Father, what does love require of me today?”

What’s Not needed: Panicking, blaming others, fear-mongering. As I mentioned earlier in this series, when the Fear response of Flight or Fight takes over our brains, we think selfish thoughts, we make selfish decisions, and we take selfish actions. This is how people trample others when fleeing a burning building. But when we slow down and let the higher part of our brain get in on the action, we can think better thoughts. We can reason and be rational. We can think caringly, compassionately, and helpfully.

What is Needed: Kind people, Prayerful people, Caring and serving people, Generous people, Calm people, Encouraging people. One of the best things we can do for ourselves when we’re facing challenges and difficulties, whether circumstantial or seasonal, is to find ways to help someone else. Here are some things, in no particular order, that you can do to help. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but an idea prompter.

  • Strive to be a non-anxious presence in every situation.
  • Offer to take a neighbor shopping, pick up prescriptions for elderly people who don’t get out easily or often.
  • Send emails or text messages, make phone calls or visits to people who alone.
  • Donate to foodbanks, donate to homeless shelters and ministries.
  • Contact your church to see what caring initiatives you could participate in.

“If you’ll look for the helpers, you’ll know there’s hope! – Mr. Rogers” (click to view)

Prayer:

Father, Please help us not to be afraid! Help us not to be fearful or fear-driven. Keep us close to you so we can bring your presence to others. May your love in us and through us drive out all fear. In Jesus’ Name.