So many times it seems like when we help others it actually helps us more. Whether it’s holding a door open for a person behind you, carrying a package of groceries for someone, or letting another driver merge into traffic in front of you, if our hearts are right, we feel God’s pleasure. 

In Joshua chapter one God gives the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh their settlement east of the Jordan River, yet when the rest of the Israelites were crossing over the river to take the Promised Land to the west, Joshua had asked them to help fight on behalf of the other tribes’ lands. Once the others had settled down, they would then be allowed to return to their own property. These brave fighting men readily agreed to cross over and help their brothers. (Josh.1:12-17)

I find this interesting that God wanted them to help their brothers win their land before they settled themselves. He wanted them to put others first. 

But isn’t this what Jesus did? Didn’t He put us first?

In 1910, the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth, was aging and near the end of his life. He was unable to attend their Christmas convention to encourage the soldiers on their relentless service, especially during the holiday season and during the cold winter months, so he simply sent a one-word telegram to be read. And what was that one word he sent that summarizes their whole mission? “Others.”  

That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Others?

In a world where some people are simply looking out for themselves, it’s refreshing to see those who are looking out for others. Those who stay a little longer just to help out a co-worker, those who bring meals to the sick, help out the elderly, read to children, or a slew of other types of volunteers — all this is done for the sake of others. 

Matt. 7:12 — “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 

do also to them…”

So as we go throughout our day, let’s ask the Lord to show us opportunities to help others. And if we can’t physically, then let’s fight for them with prayer and encouraging words. I believe that when we serve others out of love and not obligation, we express the true heart of Father God. 

Lately I have found myself within the halls of hospitals and I must say, it’s not my favorite place to be. I’m not sure it’s anyone’s true joy to sit in waiting rooms or listen to the myriad of sounds in the corridors of a medical facility, however, these things do occur and must be managed. 

In certain situations, I get a lot of reading done, which I DO like to do, though standing by waiting to speak to a medical person about someone who was rushed to an emergency room can be a bit wearisome. Yet, it was here where I found a touch of kindness in the midst of chaos.

My sister and I had been in the ER waiting room amongst crying children and suffering patients for about thirty minutes after my mother had arrived by ambulance. We were listening for an attendant to call her name and talk to the family when a man with a tie and badge on walked up to us (must have been an administrator being dressed up) and asked who we were waiting for. After having told him and disappearing behind the automatic double-doors, he returned with good news that we could come back and sit with her. His voice was calming and reassuring as we followed behind him into the hallway.

It was sincere kindness during tension and turmoil.

He was nice. And so was every other person we came in contact with at the hospital. Though it was late into the evening, I was truly amazed at how considerate and friendly these doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff were. They were all nice. Which meant a lot to me in the middle of this stressful situation. 

Not only in the emergency room, but throughout the entire hospital I found genuine  gentleness and goodness. And you know the other thing I found out? That kindness breeds kindness. As I received the graciousness and forbearance from these hard-working souls, I found myself being kinder to others too — in the lobby, driving home, at the store.

These verses popped into my mind:

• Eph. 4:32—“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
• Gal. 6:9-10—“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
• Luke 6:35—“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” 

Reflecting on these, the lesson Father God had for me was simply: “Be nice.”

So that’s my goal. With whomever I come in contact with, wherever I am, just be nice. Smile at people. Help them if I can. Speak encouragement or kind words to them. If an over-worked medical team can walk in kindness during critical, even life-threatening situations, I think I can try to do so also.

I began reading through the book of Ruth the other day and although she is the main focus of the text, I was struck at the end of the first chapter by the emotions of Naomi, her mother-in-law.

Naomi had moved from Bethlehem to Moab with her husband and two sons when a famine
came. The sons eventually got married there and life was good for awhile. However, some years later she returns back “home” to Bethlehem after losing not only her husband, but also her two sons in Moab. In her own words, “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.“

Naomi had become bitter due to life’s circumstances and she blamed it all on the Lord. Sound familiar?

Many people are mad at God, even us Christians can be, but we don’t want to say it. Instead we choose to live our lives bitter and angry with everyone and everything around us. Know someone like that?

As I considered Naomi here, the Lord quickened in me: “You just don’t know what someone has experienced. Don’t judge them or retaliate back. Respond in love and see what happens. Don’t take it personal.”

Usually the actions of such persons aren’t personal towards you. You just happen to be the one close by when they lash out from their inner wounding. Good chance they don’t even know it’s there, it’s so deep. 

Healing comes differently for each person. Some seek it and move past their hurts, and some don’t, preferring to writhe in bitterness and anger for the rest of their lives. We cannot heal them, but we can love them. We can respond in love when they erupt in hatred. We can choose to be kind when they continue to be mean.  As the saying goes, “Hurt people, hurt people.”

Love is a choice. And we know we’re always loved by the Father.

So you just don’t know what people around you are going through or been through, but by God’s grace you can express love to them in the midst of it. You could bring a little light to their darkness, they might even be intrigued by it. If you read the book of Ruth, you’ll see how God helps Naomi get her healing by way of her daughter-in-law. The Lord uses people just like us. 

(By Cyndi)