Helping Others with Troubles

Chuckle: This sign was posted in a Grand Rapids furniture store; "Try Our Easy Payment Plan -- 100% Down -- Nothing Else to Pay."

Quote: "Love is the basic need of human nature, for without it, life is disrupted emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically." --Karl Menninger

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us . . ." (Ephesians 5:1 NIV). "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins" (I Peter 4:8 NLT).

If you truly love someone, you never tire of helping that person in every way possible. There's nothing you won't do for someone you unconditionally love. But when we love ourselves more than anyone else, helping others becomes unpleasant and unimportant to us. When it comes to helping others deal with the problems of life, genuine love is the first prerequisite. If someone who is in trouble is convinced of your love, he or she will be much more open and receptive to your help.

This was the reaction of the unbelieving Greek writer Lucian (A.D. 120-200) upon observing the warm fellowship of Christians: "It is incredible to see the fervor with which the people of that religion help each other in their wants. They spare nothing. Their first legislator (Jesus) has put it into their heads that they are brethren."

How about this: "It is our care for the helpless, our practice of lovingkindness, that brands us in the eyes of many of our opponents. 'Look!' they say, 'How they love one another! Look how they are prepared to die for one another'" --Tertullian.

Today's Scripture verses and these memorable quotes point us to an indisputable truth: God's people should genuinely love one another; and that love should manifest itself through acts of kindness and help to those enduring difficult and troubled times. "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" (I John 3:18 NIV).

You can genuinely love others with your actions on their behalf, your feelings for them, your attitudes toward them, the words you say to them, and your presence with them. Love resolves a thousand problems and prevents a thousand more. As we minister to others in their times of need, we are in fact ministering to our Lord. Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse