Help!

A teacher was encouraging his class to be kind and think of the needs of the people around them. “Remember, kids, you were put here to help others.”

“But,” protested one of the students, “what were the others put here for?”

Where would we be if no one helped us? What if no one taught us to read or write or do arithmetic? Sometimes we forget to think about all of the help that others have given us and focus only on ourselves. It is hard to imagine where we would be if no one ever took an interest in us.

So, if we have been helped, should we not also do the same for others? Indeed, we need to focus on the needs of others as much – or more – than we focus on our need. It’s important for us to be mindful of the many times God has helped us when we least expected it.

And here is something to remember: May we never forget the fact that every time we help pull someone uphill, we will find ourselves getting closer to the top.

Just for today, rather than pointing a finger at someone, hold out a helping hand.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be alert to the needs of others all of the time. May my eyes always be open to see their needs, my ears open to hear their cries and my heart open to feel their pain. Let me always help others: in Your Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 3:16-24 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.