When we’re going through a hard time or a time where we’re struggling to meet our own needs, the help of others can make all the difference. Whether that’s financial help, practical help like helping us move house, cooking us a meal or simply sitting with us while we cry, it can encourage us, help us get back on our feet and carry on. When Paul was travelling and spreading the news about Jesus, he was often met with opposition and persecution, sometimes resulting in imprisonment. In Philippians we’re told that the church in Philippi sent Paul gifts to help him out. When he first told them the news about Jesus, they helped him financially as he moved on from Macedonia. And then they sent more help when he was in Thessalonica. In his letter to them, Paul writes to thank them (you can read about it in Philippians 4:10-20). And we need to follow his lead. When other people do things to help us out, however big or small, we need to make sure we’re thanking them. But we can go one step further than that. When they’re in need, we can remember the help they gave us and choose to do something to help them back. Helping others should become our way of life. We should be willing to help others whether or not we get anything back. The Bible tells us that when we help other people out and give them what they need, we’re doing it for God. ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40 NIV). So let’s thank those who help us, and make sure we’re helping others out too.

What Now?

If you know someone in need, find a way you can help them out today.