What do you plan on doing in the future? I’ve been asked this question countless times by my parents, friends and teachers.
“I want to help everyone!” Every time, without fail, I will always say these 5 words. I always envisioned myself growing up taking on a profession capable of serving our society and making a positive change in the lives of everyone I meet. Be it a heroic firefighter jumping into the fiery flames, a meticulous doctor administering a crucial surgery or an articulate lawyer presenting a case - I wanted to help everyone. And I meant everyone.
Helping others is a noble aspiration and one that we are encouraged to pursue throughout our lives. Whether through professional careers, personal acts of kindness, or community service, the desire to make a positive impact on the world is something that unites us all. As Christians, our understanding of helping others is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. While we may feel the weight of the world’s needs and limitations, Scripture offers us wisdom on how we can help others in ways that honor God’s calling.
The Call to Help: A Christian Duty
From a young age, many of us dreamt of making a difference in the world. We may envision ourselves in professions like firefighting, medicine, or law—each of which offers the opportunity to serve and help those in need. But as we mature, we begin to realise the limitations of what one person can do and the complexity of the problems we face. In a world full of suffering, we cannot possibly help everyone, no matter how hard we try.
However, the Christian call to help others is not about fixing every problem or serving every person. Instead, it is about living with a heart of compassion, seeking to serve those around us with the love of Christ.
Matthew 25:35-36 (NKJV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
This passage reminds us that helping others is not just a matter of grand, heroic acts; it’s about meeting the needs of those around us—whether through small acts of kindness or larger efforts. Jesus Himself exemplified what it means to help others, showing compassion to the marginalized, healing the sick, and comforting the brokenhearted.
The Limits of Our Ability to Help
While the call to help is clear, it is also important to recognize our limitations. We cannot help every single person in this world - that is a cold hard fact. No matter how established and renowned a system may be, cracks are bound to exist. Even if we try our best to treat 1000 patients, even if we try to save 1000 victims, even if we try to defend 1000 clients, some will not be able to receive much-needed assistance. There is simply a limit to how much we can do as an individual.
No matter how sincere our desire to help others, we are finite beings, limited by time, resources, and abilities. As the writer notes, we cannot help everyone. This realization can be discouraging, but it should also drive us to focus our efforts where we can make the greatest impact.
Galatians 6:9 (NKJV): "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
This verse reminds us that our work is not in vain, even if we cannot see immediate results. God calls us to remain faithful in doing good, trusting that He will use our efforts for His purposes. While we may not be able to help every person we encounter, we can still make a difference in the lives of those God places in our path.
Helping Others Through Empowerment
This does not mean we can stop working hard to help others. One key principle of helping others is empowerment. True help often goes beyond just meeting immediate needs—it involves equipping others with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed on their own.
Christians are called to help others not only by meeting their immediate needs but by pointing them to the ultimate source of help—Jesus Christ. Through the gospel, we offer people the opportunity for spiritual renewal and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
God’s Word equips us to do the good works He has called us to, not only in the world but in the lives of others. When we help others grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ, we are empowering them to live with purpose and to help others in turn.
The Importance of Perseverance in Helping Others
Despite the limitations we face, the call to help others remains. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous quote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” reminds us that even though we cannot fix every injustice, we are still called to stand against it and to pursue justice in whatever ways we can. The same is true in our Christian walk—though we cannot help everyone, we must persevere in doing good.
Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV): "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."
When we help others, even in small ways, God sees our efforts. He honors the love and sacrifice we show in serving His people. Our efforts may not always lead to immediate or visible results, but God is faithful, and He will use our work for His glory.
How We Can Help Others: Practical Tips
Serve with Compassion: Like Jesus, we should approach others with empathy and kindness. Look for ways to serve those around you, even in small ways. A kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear can make all the difference in someone’s day.
Luke 10:30-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan): Jesus teaches us the importance of showing mercy and compassion to everyone, even those whom society might overlook.
Empower Others: Helping others is not just about meeting their immediate needs. Seek ways to equip them to handle future challenges. Whether through teaching, mentoring, or providing resources, empowerment helps others become self-sufficient.
Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission): Jesus calls us to make disciples—teaching others to live according to His commands and to spread the gospel.
Trust in God’s Timing: Recognize that your efforts may not always have immediate results. Trust that God is at work, even when you don’t see it. Stay faithful, knowing that your labour is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV): "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
Persevere: Don’t be discouraged when you can’t help everyone. Focus on the people God has placed in your life and continue doing good. Keep the big picture in mind—your faithfulness to God will bear fruit.
Romans 12:12 (NKJV): "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
Share the Gospel: The most important way we can help others is by sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate help, as it offers eternal hope and transformation.
Conclusion: Serving with Purpose
The art of helping others is more than just doing good works; it is about serving with purpose and a heart of compassion. While we may not be able to help everyone, we are called to help as many as we can, to serve those God places in our path, and to empower them to live lives that honor Him. As we serve others, we are ultimately serving God, and in doing so, we bring glory to His name.
Martin Luther King Jr once declared, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Injustice and Inequalities are bound to exist in any society, what matters is that we do not give up and continue striving for a better future. Also, let us not beat ourselves up for being unable to offer assistance to someone. Instead, let us acknowledge how far we have come in helping others, and continue doing our part in making a positive mark in our world. Let us commit to making a difference in the world around us, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness can have eternal significance in God’s Kingdom.
Ask Yourself:
What is the “secret” of helping others?
What are some tips mentioned on how to help others?
Want to know more about the Art of Helping Others?
Suggested Answers:
The Art of Helping others lies in the fact that as Christians, we recognise that while we do have limitations in whom we can help and what we can do, we still go the extra mile to serve others and train our fellow brethren to be able to help themselves in the future (Just like the Chinese saying - 授人以鱼不如授人以渔）
Serving with compassion, Empowering others. Encouraging others to trust in God’s timing, Persevering and Sharing the gospel.
Speak to any of our church members or any bible class teachers and we are more than willing to help you find this answer!