HOW TO HELP PEOPLE
TOPIC: HOW TO HELP PEOPLE
TEXT: JOHN 13:1-17
How can we best help a person who has problems? There may be as many answers to that question as there are problems, but five general suggestions should be considered.
By Serving - Just as Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:7), Christians have been called to serve others (Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:33–35; John 13:1–17). Often those who have problems need to be served; they need help. We can visit people who are sick, assist those who are disabled, and provide food for the bereaved. We may be able to give monetary assistance to those who are having financial trouble. To supply such necessities is to practice “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). It is also an important part of preparing for the Day of Judgment. Our destiny will, in part, be determined by whether or not we have fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and those in prison (Matthew 25:31–46).
By Encouraging - Even if we cannot physically or materially help people with problems, we can encourage them. Every Christian should be an encourager, as was Barnabas (Acts 4:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14; Hebrews 10:25). What can we do to encourage those who are anxious, discouraged, depressed, or beset with problems? Be there for them; show concern by listening and letting them know you are really hearing them. Avoid talking too much. Offer hope - Our expressions of sympathy should be tinged with optimism. We should find some way to help the person see beyond his problems and believe that life will be better in the future.
By Confronting - Sometimes a person who is having problems needs to be confronted rather than comforted. A man may have financial problems because of his own sloth, or a woman may be experiencing interpersonal problems that are obviously her own fault. Such situations may require tactful confrontation by someone who truly cares for the one who is suffering. Likewise, the one whose problem is sin must be confronted. This is especially true if the sinner has been unwilling to acknowledge his problem or to do anything about it. When David sinned, the prophet Nathan did him a favour by pointing out, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7). In like manner, the time may come when we need to speak to someone who is in sin and tell him, in effect, “You are the man! You are in sin and need to repent!” When that time comes, we should pray for wisdom and guidance and then speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). The goal must be to “restore [the sinner] in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:24–26; 1 Peter 3:15) and to use gracious words (Colossians 4:6). When confrontation is needed, we must do it! We show less love for the sinner, not more, by refusing to confront him about that sin.
If we are interested in helping others, we should find opportunities to introduce them to Christ, through whom they can enjoy the abundant life (John 10:10). After believing in Jesus, repenting of their sins, confessing their faith in Christ, and being baptized, they can rejoice in the fact that they have been saved, have had their sins forgiven, and are children of God!
Word Affirmation: “And it shall turn to you for a testimony." - Luke 21:13 (Don't just say it, mean it!)
“If we are interested in helping others, we should find opportunities to introduce them to Christ."
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