Get the Ball Rolling: Five Simple Invitations

Wrap yourself in kindness

We all know someone who is the perfect picture of a natural helper. They jump at any chance to assist others no matter the cause or the results. We sometimes describe that person as one who would “give the shirt off their backs” to a neighbor or even a stranger. They are completely selfless and, apparently, always think of others first.

Some would say the ultimate, extreme example of selfless love would be the Roman Catholic nun, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India. No matter which faith we are part of, we can recognize that as a humanitarian, she gave her whole being in service to the poor, homeless, and orphans. Mother Teresa died at age 87, but not before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Yet, amazingly, those of us who willingly help our friends, neighbors and even family can endure uncalled for criticism from others. Even Mother Teresa received much public blame and disapproval for her “encouragement” of suffering and pain with no solutions. This type of misplaced judgment of others belongs not to humans, but only to God.

Five Simple Invitations

There are so many ways to help others it’s impossible to even list. Extending our resources, time, gifts, and talents to those in need is an individual act of kindness left only to our own imagination. On a daily basis, lifting a hand to someone is not that hard and is always encouraged. But how could we enlarge our thinking and make sharing a permanent way of life?

• Find what we are good at doing. We all have favorite activities we can use to make life easier for others.
• Schedule our week. Be willing to set aside a small amount of time to make a big difference participating in a worthwhile cause.
• Clean up to help out. Regularly getting rid of clutter in our homes and donating it to an organization or a needy family will encourage someone else.
• Be available and attentive. Some people are shy about asking for help, so if we keep tuned in to their talk or manner, we can recognize a need and readily fill it without being asked.
• Multiplication. If we have been blessed with financial abundance, we can challenge ourselves to make anonymous offerings to a charitable organization, who then turns around and helps those in need.

Doing the Right Thing

After getting into the habit of sharing ourselves with others, we will naturally want to do more and more. And that’s the right thing. God will smile down upon us! Where we must proceed with caution is not letting our pride get in the way and taking all the credit for doing good. Or expecting some kind of heavenly “reward” or “pass” when we leave this world.

Jesus is our only perfect example here. He came to earth to willingly serve with a selfless love. Yet, He suffered in the worst way for doing so. We are unlikely to die on a cross as He did, but we may be criticized for our efforts in serving and giving. If that happens, we are probably on the right track!

"If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought" 1 Peter 3:13-14 The Message.