HOW TO HELP AND SUPPORT OTHERS

HOW TO HELP AND SUPPORT OTHERS - And why this is important

INTRODUCTION

It is always better to give than to receive. There are many different ways and reasons how to help and support others. There are just as many reasons why this is important. Altruism is Latin and means actions done in an unselfish way for the benefit of another person. Many people come to the aid of others for religious, philosophical, or personal reasons.

SPIRITUAL REASONS

Giving up one’s own interests for the betterment of someone else is common in most religions.

In the Bible, we are taught how to help and support others.

I Thessalonians 5:13-14 states “Live in peace with each other. We ask you to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those that are weak. Be patient with every person.”

Hebrews 3:13 states “Encourage each other every day. Do this while it is today. Help each other so that none of you will become hardened because of sin and its tricks.”

Hebrews 6:10 states “God is fair. He will not forget the work you did and the love you showed Him by helping His people and He will remember that you are still helping Him.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 states “Let us think about each other to show love and do good deeds.”

Hebrews 13:2 states “Remember to welcome strangers into your homes. Some people have done this and have welcomed angels without knowing it.”

PHILOSOPHICAL REASONS - CONFUCIUS

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher born in 551 B.C. His quotes have influenced the lives and thoughts of the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese people. His philosophy was based on ordinary Chinese customs and values. His views taught personal ethics and how to help and support others. Some of his sayings are as follows:

“Confucius say . . . “

A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed.

If in terms of 10 years, plant trees.

If in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

What you do not want done to yourself, don’t do to others.

This last quote is very similar to the Golden Rule which is “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

PHILOSOPHICAL REASONS - KARMA

The philosophy of Karma is found in the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Karma has much to do with fate and destiny. Karma is a belief that our actions bring good or bad results back to us either in this life or the next. In other words, what you do will affect you now or later in some way, shape, or form. Karma returns good for good and bad for bad. If you give generously or kindly, you will receive generously or kindly. Every action has a reaction, good or bad. The Karma philosophy believes that good and bad karma follows a person’s soul from one body to the next body, one life to the next life. Helping others through good deeds will result in positive results in return. Good deeds are ways to help and support others.

There is a television show in the United States that bases its entire program on karma. A man named Earl has a list of people whom he has wronged in his life. Karma has been telling him to right those wrongs so that bad things will stop happening to him. Every episode shows him doing something nice for a person on that list so he can mark their name off.

HOW TO HELP OTHERS

Although there are people in this world that say they can live their daily life without any help or support from others, they have been encouraged and given support at some time in their life. Most everyone can benefit from words and/or actions from those who want to help and support others.  Some people needing encouragement are family members and friends that may be struggling with addictions such as alcohol, drugs, or food. 

There are many different ways to help and support others. Spending time with them through activities such as exercise, Bible studies, support groups, shopping, walks, movies, flea markets, festival, sports, or even grocery shopping. Visit them often and let them know you care.  Show them by your own actions how to deal with life and its twists and turns. Bring them self help books to help and encourage them.

WHY WE HELP OTHERS

This is important to help others because the helping person benefits by giving that person a sense of well being and peace which results in good health and longevity.

It is important to help others, and not just because one day we may need that person’s help. It is extremely difficult for family and friends to see someone in need of help. Those in need suffer financially and socially. They may just simply need someone to stand beside them to be their rock of strength. Maybe they just need someone to call when they need a helping hand or encouraging word. Those in pain don’t always see how they are hurting themselves and others.  They may not know how to help themselves or are afraid to seek help. Constant encouragement will give them the self-esteem they need to help themselves and make them feel better about themselves.

Tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina and the Twin Towers on September 11 brought people together from all across the United States to help and support others. During the Holocaust in Germany, neighbors knew how to help and support others by hiding Jewish families so they wouldn’t suffer the consequences of Adolph Hitler’s regime.

CONCLUSION

People will sometimes only help others if they are publicly acknowledged. Others quietly help others without a pat on the back. At some point in everyone’s life, encouragement and support is needed. How to help and support others comes from compassion and caring that is in all of our innermost beings. Seeing someone become a better person resulting from our encouragement and support is why it is important to be a friend to a friend in need.