Think about being Helpful
Wherever and whenever possible, even when very busy, Jesus took time out to help people – healing the sick, casting out demons, resolving dilemmas and challenging heresy or exploitation.
He healed a woman with bleeding who touched his cloak [Matthew 9]
He explained the concept of being born again to Nicodemus [John 3]
He rescued a woman caught in adultery from a death sentence [John 8]
He pointed out what really matters to a rich man [Mark 10]
When we open our mouths we can give helpful or unhelpful advice. Sometimes we feel that people just need to be told and that merely saying "snap out of it" to someone who is depressed or "time is a great healer" to someone who is suffering gets us off some kind of hook.
Rather, we should perhaps focus less on ourselves and make sure we take time to help others. Sometimes I pass by on the other side because I have things to do and people to see – but just once in a while it is rewarding to make time for someone when they most need it and least expect it. And when in conversation it is well to remember that we have two ears and one mouth – so sometimes it is better to listen than to speak.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1: 26-27 [NIV]
Dave MacLellan
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