For Goodness Sake

While speaking with a friend this morning, a subject was touched on that I have pondered on many times in the past and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you. Feel free to let me know what you think.

Through my own experiences I have found that when offering to help someone or just offering to do something for someone, they often reply with "Oh thank you, but I don't need help" or "Oh, I don't want to impose on you! You shouldn't do that." To my shame, I also have responded in this way many times.

In Galations 1:2, we read: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. And in verse 10, we read: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

In Philippians 2:3-4, we read: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

And so, my thought (or question) is this. Could I hinder someone's personal growth and cause them to stumble, if everytime they offer a helping hand or desire to do something kind and good, I shut them down and do not give them opportunity to do so? Human nature is such that upon consistent rejection many will tend to stop offering deeds of kindness. Also, if I consistently reject help or kindness, am I really proclaiming I am not in need at all? Do I not need God? Do I not need my fellow brethren? Did not Christ organize His church in such a way as to provide one another with help and encouragement??

This is not to say that there are times and situations, when one just needs to tackle something on his own. And yes, there are times when, for practical purposes, one cannot help. Good sense and a desire to do what is good and right has to come into play.

So the next time someone offers to help you or do something good and kind toward you, graciously accept with a smile and thank God for dwelling in them. And do the same; offer to help someone in need or just do something kind and good to a fellow human being.