Our Hope: Do For Other People

“Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you.  That is the Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12 (GW)

A friend of mine had a precious baby boy a few months ago.  She was shopping in Wal-Mart recently, in the baby section.  She was browsing, but was not slow about it; she had a busy day ahead.  She noticed a couple watching her, following her around as she looked at baby things. They were looking at items, and then putting them down.  My friend felt that they did not know what to buy.  They seemed unsure about everything they looked at.

My friend felt a little annoyed as they followed her around, even going so far as to pick up, examine, and then put down some of the items she had looked at.  After a time, the lady noticed her baby, and asked if she could look at him.  She told her how cute he was.  My friend thanked her and continued her browsing.  A few minutes later, the lady approached and asked if she could ask a question.  The lady asked her baby’s age and his size in clothing.

Now, my friend was a little surprised, but the lady explained that they had just been notified that morning to pick up their granddaughter, who they had never met before.  They did not even know she existed, yet suddenly they would have custody of her.  But they had not had a child in their house for 25 years, so did not know what they needed.

The annoyed feeling vanished; compassion abounded for the couple’s situation.  She offered to help them pick out what they would need to welcome this little girl home.  When they were finished, she wished them the best, and promised she would pray for them and the baby.  Then she went on her way.

A few minutes later a store clerk approached her, and gave her two outfits the couple had purchased for her son.  They were grateful for her patience and help.  It was so sweet, and made her think how we should not always be in a hurry, and should be willing to take a few minutes just to help others.  Those few minutes become the helper’s blessing too.

Jesus is like that.  He helps us even though He is always busy.  He has so many souls to care for, and so many to win, yet still He has concern for the small things.  He is never too involved with anything else to hear our prayers, to calm our hearts, and to bring us peace.

Jesus is Our Hope.  Because He is, we can be assured that He will never push us aside, or rush off before we have a chance to pray, or to simply say, “I’m busy, call out to me later.”

Let us follow His lead, and consider how we should do for other people.  Take time to be a friend; be ready to assist a stranger.  And always be kind.  Remember, love covers a multitude of sins. Everyone needs love.  There is none greater than the love of Christ.

Have you ever rushed off from someone who needed you, but your need seemed greater at the time? If so, please comment here or go to www.mystoryofgrace.com and share with us.

Blessings!