The mountains around us are on fire. The fire actually started in Franschhoek, but the wind pushed it through the mountains. In five hours he was down Jonkershoek toward the city. Finally, the violent fire was contained.
Many people helped control the fire, but unfortunately some property was damaged. Such fire can be devastating!
Still, I was surprised how people joined. The needs were communicated in the WhatsApp group of our neighborhood. First, sugary drinks and energy bars for fire fighters.
Then came the requests for old furniture, beds, sheets and blankets, food, anything to help people rebuild their burned houses. Without hesitation, people raised their hands and said what they had. Would help? Where could they deliver the things?
Someone shared the bank details and the money started pouring in.
It was amazing to see how quickly people got involved in helping others and what a difference it makes in people’s lives when other people join hands. Individuals wouldn’t have made much of a difference, but a few together made a huge impact.
This makes me think of a thread that can be easily broken when it’s just that thread. But when some threads are intertwined, it is not so easy to break.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand this simple formula. Some people are so focused on themselves that they don’t see the need around them. And so, people lose an opportunity for growth. A good opportunity to feel good. People get poorer when they don’t give.
Which leads to the instruction that we should not only do things to help others, but also encourage others to do good. We must help them develop a sensitivity to see the needs of other people. So we must help them help those in need by bearing their burden and relieving their need.
This verse says it very well: 24 Let’s see how inventive we can be in fostering love and helping…
For many, this is natural. For others, it is not so easy to sow love and be good to others. That is why we must do good to others, and even more. We must give them such a good experience that the fire is lit in them to do good too.
Go and look for places. Be quiet and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to people who need a little encouragement to reach out to others. That the world be a different place, because we who receive so much share with others and in this way help others to also make a difference.
Then we will make much more than a small difference.
Holy Scripture
Hebrews 10:19-25
Reflection
Do you do good to others?
Do you do good to others so they can do good to others?
Who do you have to serve next?
Prayer
Father, I have not always understood this instruction. I thought that I had to do good, but now I realize that I have to do good in such a way that others are also motivated to share Your grace with others. Help me to live this commandment. This will have an even greater impact on Your world. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
