Sometimes ago, a friend came to me for some help, unfortunately, I was unable to render the help in that instant. Painful but I had to politely tell her my constraints and she told me not to worry.
Her next move was however surprising. She plans to go to a particular sister for the same help only that this time she was so sure she will get it. Out of curiosity, I asked her what makes her so positive that she will give her? In response, she said I have once helped her, she must reciprocate. I quickly use the opportunity to educate her that “helping others in expectations of somethings is business”
In hindsight, I realized that the confusion of this lady about what it truly means to help is a reflection of how confused our world is about the same subject today.
As believers, however, we understand that we live might be living in a morally bankrupt world but we live by a higher moral standard. In Luke 6: 35 Jesus advised us for instance “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return”.
The question most people ask then is ‘why should I help?’
She is not a member of my family, She is not my girlfriend, what’s in it for me? Instances abound in the scripture how people are blessed by God following their show of love to others.
In Act 9; 36-42, Tabitha was a benevolent sister who spent her time helping others, she became sick and died. The widows she helped during her lifetime stood up in prayer until they got her back to life. This must have been nothing short of the mercy of God but then, even the scripture says that “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Matt 5:7).
More importantly, we must think deeper about the love of Jesus and the sacrifices he made in redeeming lost men like us. Not only do we despise his grace but sometimes rejects it and in preference go our own way. He loved us not because we’re good but while we were yet sinners he died for us (Romans 3:26). And he commands us to love selflessly as he loved us.
The question is, would you be willing to put down your selfish interest to love as he loves, and help as he helps?
May God help your decision.
