What Can I Do to Help?

When tragic situations occur near and far away, we often want to help, but we’re unsure how. Caring for the less fortunate is in line with living as a child of God (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37; and James 1:19-27), and we wonder how we can provide the greatest assistance.

1. Pray. There’s never a waking moment that someone in the world is without the need of prayer. Pray without ceasing throughout the day and as often as the situation or person(s) are brought to your remembrance (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

2. Connect with local organizations. Check the local newspaper, television, or radio stations for support and relief opportunities already taking place. Oftentimes, it’s easier to support organizations with ties already in the affected area than trying to make your own. However, you may discover that new ‘connections’ are needed as you pray and seek the Lord’s guidance.

Remember, helping others isn’t about you or making your name known. People are in need, so meet the need and allow God to be glorified through your good works (Matthew 5:14-16).

3. Rally others to support those in need. Send an e-mail, make a phone call, or use social network sites. Make your request known to others, for you never know how God will move on a person’s heart.

4. Give. You can give your time, money, talents, or material goods. There’s no amount too small or big when it comes to giving, just make sure it’s from the heart and not forced (i.e. 2 Corinthians 8-9).

5. GO. There may come a time and opportunity for you to be directly involved in relief efforts. God can you use to touch someone’s life, maybe your own.

1 John 3:16-17 – This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Help…no matter how small, is an important step forward.

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