Helping Hurting People

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:16-20)

If you see hurting people and you don’t help them in their pain, you have a problem! On the other hand, if you see people in pain and you want to practically help them out of that pain, whether it costs you money, time, or words of encouragement, that says something about your nature.

Jesus met people’s needs. He did not heal everyone, but those He came in contact with, He healed. Word got out and He met their needs, and people rushed toward Him.

In today’s age, when we hear that someone is going through a tough time, we often say, “I'll pray for you,” but we never pray for them. “I'm thinking about you,” but we never do. “I care about you.” Yet, we never do anything to translate our verbal statements into action.

If you are a child of God, you should do more than say, “I'm praying for you.” You need to actually pray for them at that very moment. Some of us come in contact with people who have needs and they are really hurting. Do you know what a believer would do? He would figure out what he could do to help with that need.

Maybe, they need more than your prayers. If they need you to mow their yard, mow their yard. Don’t make a big deal about it; do it in secret. Maybe, there is a financial need. When they are going through a difficult time financially, and you have the money, let it flow!

You might say, “I don't want to give money to someone.” If someone is hurting and you have some resources, let it flow! If you are not helping, and God has made it very clear that someone has a need in their life, and He has put you in direct contact with them, give it to them. Because God has blessed you, He wants you to be a blessing to other people. You will not be able to take it with you to the grave, but you can surely send it on ahead!

Allow yourself to do practical things in the lives of people who are hurting, because Jesus did that for you. He stepped in to help us when we didn't even know we were hurting. The Bible says, “While we were sinners, Christ died for us.” It is important that we understand this. It will give you confidence that you are a child of God when you are willing to do something about a person’s pain. If God brings someone into your life who needs help, just obey Him and follow the tug of His Spirit.