5:103 – Volunteer even when not asked

#faithbites #faithjourney volunteer

Intro

I try to do it all and fail. There are times when I’m spinning so many plates and several of them crash to the ground. Others can see this when I get moody, upset, or so hyper-focused, everything else goes out the window. But more often than not, no one volunteers to help. Sometimes the strongest people won’t August 7 – Ask For Help, Even If You Don’t Need Itask for help but would take it when freely given.

We need to create a culture of volunteerism. We need to make it normal to volunteer to help others. Some may not take it, and that’s ok, but if it’s not offered we never know.

Questions

• Do you volunteer to help others?
• When you do, is it sincere or just words? Does the other person know the difference?
• How do you approach asking to help others?

Scripture

• Matthew 23:11 – “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
• Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 
• 1 John 3:18 – Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Reflection

Today we will focus on the 1 John verse. Jesus tells us that how we act towards each other shows our love. Words matter, but actions show intent. Sometimes, people will say, I’m here if you need anything, but aren’t specific or don’t mean it. Other times, we don’t want to inconvenience someone by asking for help. This is when we have to be specific. We have to volunteer our time and energy in a specific way. Such as, I’m going to empty the dishwasher for you, is that ok? In that one example, you’ve shown what you are going to do, who you are doing it for, and asking permission. That way you don’t step on someone’s toes. Few people would say no. I would reply, you don’t have to do that, but I’d let you do it. In this way we are loving with our actions, helping in truth, and being loving children of God.

As we close, remember that helping and volunteering is a two-way street. First, we have to know what we can do and then who it is for. Then we have to be able to accept help when someone is offering it.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for giving us the skills and abilities to be of service to others. Help us step up and be direct in our ability to volunteer. When others offer their help to us, let us see it as the gift that it is and accept it. We pray that our help is wanted and valued. In your name, we pray, Amen.