It is so very easy to speak some quick words of kindness, care, or concern. But, regardless of the type of words chosen, it is so much better for a concerned person to actually stop talking and start taking corrective action rather than waiting for someone else to take it.

Hurting people are needy of and looking for personal physical assistance, not consoling words that may or may not apply. When a person hurts, no matter the cause, they need other close friends,…not fair-weather associates, to come to their side and to their aid.

There is an old saying that goes like this: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you really care…about them.” This is indeed a very true and real statement of living a happy and fulfilled life. You have all heard it said that, “Actions speak louder than any words you can say.” I would be so bold as to tell you that words ring hollow that are not applicable to the actual situation a hurting person is facing. Improper words relative to the actual situation at hand do much more damage than good. Once a word is spoken (released from a person’s mouth) the effects of it and its impact can never be retracted. Hollow words that are kind, but meaningless,…always do more harm than good.

All good words that flow out of a person’s mouth are a direct result of the thoughts of the person’s heart and mind. Weak, brash, unkind, or uncaring words or shallow words that are not heartfelt flow only out of a fool’s mouth. Such type words always do more damage to a personal relationship than they ever strengthen one. Choose the words you use very carefully.

There is an old saying that goes like this: “The secret of success is for a person to find a need and fill it.” The key words to this statement are find and fill. Both of these key words are verbs. That means they are action words. They both imply a person is to step up and step out to take immediate action over the situation at hand. Therefore, maybe a better interpretation of this old saying should be: “The secret of success is for a person to find the need of someone else and then immediately begin helping them resolve their situation.” While it is true that the Lord helps them who help themselves, it is equally true that someone who lends a helping hand in time of need is always a most welcomed source of help.

To find the answers to all of your life questions, one needs go no further than the Holy Word of God. He always gives you direct advice as to how best you should respond to the things, people, and dilemmas that come into your life. Come with me quickly and let us look at what God has to say about us helping and assisting other people who are in need of outside assistance. It is all discussed in the Book of I Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 1–3 NLT:

Love is the Greatest

(1) “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but
didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging
cymbal.

(2) If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s
secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such
faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I
would be nothing.

(3) If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed
my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I
would have gained nothing.”

God is quite clear isn’t He? He clearly states that Love, care, service, and assistance to other people (other of His creation) is pretty important for all believers to perform and provide.

Just remember that whenever you run into another human being, you really have no idea what is going on in their lives. You don’t know what kind and how much baggage they are carrying, and for certain you don’t need to criticize or condemn them. You are to love and assist them without conditions. That activity, for some very odd reason, seems to be a most difficult thing for most people to do.

Permit me to share with a story about what I am speaking as it may, in fact, help you to better understand what I am attempting to say to you.

When Joel was diagnosed as having cancer, his company with whom he was employed heartlessly dumped him. In the process of battling this dreaded disease, Joel used up all of his insurance fund, and his life savings. He was desperate and frantic. How was he ever going to keep up with all of the mounting costs he owed. How much time did he have left to live? He really needed some personal guidance, love, and help from those whom he felt were closest to him. A deacon from his local church went to visit Joel and pray with and for him. Early into the conversation between the two men, the deacon boldly asked Joel,…“Have you truly prepared for your life after death?”

You know, I can tell you from personal experience that when people say inappropriate or untimely things to other people who are hurting,…they do much more harm than good. Such is the exact case with this not-too- smart deacon.

Joel, being greatly offended, became irate at the deacon, and began swearing at and verbally abusing the man. Joel said, “All you Christians think about is what’s going to happen after I die. If your God is so great, why doesn’t He do something about the real problems of life?” Joel went on to bitterly complain that he would soon be leaving his wife penniless and his daughter without any money for her college education. He then loudly ordered the deacon to leave his house at once.

After leaving the house, the deacon began thinking about what Joel had said to him. Soon he stopped walking, made some telephone calls and arranged for some events that he felt were immediately needed. The deacon then turned around and returned to Joel’s home. He greeted Joel and then said, “I offended you and I’m profoundly sorry. I have been working on helping you solve some of your problems. A realtor I personally know has agreed to sell your house and give your wife all of his commission. Some church members will continue to make your house payments for you until the house is actually sold. The profit from the sell of your house should more than cover the cost of your daughter’s college expenses. Also, the owner of an apartment building just up the street has offered to give your wife a unit, with free utilities, plus a monthly salary in exchange for managing the complex.”

Joel unashamedly cried like a baby. He could finally hear the Gospel message with an open heart.

Love and serve your God by loving and serving your fellow man.

Actions always speak louder than any words you express.

Kindness and compassion are best expressed to needy people by helping and assisting them with things they cannot or are not prepared to do for themselves.

Peace and Love to All of You…………….Poppa Bear