Bible Reading: Galatians 6:3
If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody. Galatians 6:3
YOU NEED HELP studying for a big exam. Or you need a friend to go with you to resolve a conflict. Or you just need someone to hang with because you’re feeling a little low. So what kind of a response are you looking for from a friend?
One friend says, “Not now. I have stuff to do.” No support there, just mixed-up priorities.
Another friend responds, “Sorry, I can’t spare any of my precious time.” You won’t get help from someone that stingy.
One friend explains, “I can’t help right now. I have my own problems.” Sounds too self-centered to be much help.
Another friend rudely retorts, “Help you? Why would I want to help a dork like you?” Hmmm. With friends like that…
Real friends aren’t usually blunt or unkind. Neither are you. Yet all of us easily slide into self-centeredness-unless we continually cultivate an “other focus” attitude, that is. Here are three biblical attitudes to aim for:
Be caring and not self-absorbed. Being a supportive friend means caring. Like Galatians 6:3 says, “If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody.” It’s not possible to get so important or so busy that you’re above helping others. So how hot is your caring attitude toward your friends? Do you need to heat it up?
Be humble and unselfish. Philippians 2:3-4 bans selfishness and thinking that always puts yourself first. That means carving out time to check in with your friends, see how they are doing, and offer help when they need it. It also means actually telling your friends you care about them and want to be there for them. So how would you-or someone else-rate your humble attitude toward others?
Be generous and giving. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38, NASB). There are huge benefits to being a caring giver. For starters, God says you never have to worry about your own needs being met, because the more you give to others, the more you will receive from others. That’s God’s promise.
REFLECT: So do you have a giving attitude? How much do you need to grow a giving attitude?
PRAY: Ask God today to help you become more caring, unselfish, and generous in your loving support of your friends.
