It’s almost second nature for us to say, “Let me know if you need anything,” when a friend is in need. However, wouldn’t your friend appreciate you even more if instead, you just did something nice for them? The same goes when telling someone you will pray for them. Don't just say it, take the time and do it at that moment. If a friend is not feeling well, you could offer to watch their kids or run some errands for them. If a friend loses a family member, you could make his or her favorite meal, clean their home, even just go and be with them, not having to DO anything but be there. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Some of the great things people have done to minister to us when we had a need or crisis in our lives was to take turns bring food for a week, which was a huge help. We had a group of parents from the youth group we were leading go together and pay the remainder of a hospital bill after Thane had his first round with kidney stones. That was almost 10 years ago, but the blessing of that gift continues to not only make us extremely thankful, but humble that they would do that during a time when we had no idea where the money would come from to pay that bill. During other difficult times, people made phone calls and prayed with us on a regular basis.
What’s the best thing someone has ever done for you when you were in need? Please leave a comment and let others read about it.
7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:7-12
3 comments:
I have to say how true! I am recovering from surgery right now and hear all the time let me know if I can do something. I would rather hear can I stop by and visit. I'm not allow to do much so having someone to talk to would help me not get myself into trouble. I do agree the meals are great. My church family is providing meals that is a help. The other big help is they bring the food in toss away dishes.
Thanks for your post today.
Meals are great, but always bring something that can be reheated later if needed and PLEASE bring it in a disposable dish. Nothing more stressful than trying to remember who belongs to which dish. Also, it's always nice to include the recipe in case the family likes it so they can make it again. (I had a friend that I brought meals for in disposable dishes with heating instruction and the recipe on top -- I got feedback from her later about how nice it was.)
After my dad's first transplant we had someone show up and take all our laundry then bring it back the next day washed and folded.
We had another friend show up one day and ask for the vacuum. She just vacuumed the house for us.
This time we had someone offer to watch my nephew for the whole weekend and they planned great things for him so we don't have to worry about him.
The other big tip -- called the person. Everyone says "call us if you need anything". Sometimes it's hard to call. Calling to LISTEN to the person is HUGE.
You are so right -- people mean well when they say to call them if they can do anything. But it is so much better to just do something without putting the responsibility on the person who needs the help.
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