"Help The Helper"

Romans 12:6

It is a JOY! to know that God has gifted his people with so many wonderful gifts and talents. Some of us seem to have an abundance of grace, some of us have a servants heart, others seem to have their ear on the heart of God and always have a "word of wisdom" from the Lord, there are those who encourage us greatly, others show forth great mercy or generosity, some are known for leadership, and some seem to overflow with mercy. 

But there are times I see those who use their gifts for the kingdom get backlash. The one with the gift of grace is struggles with perfection. Those with the gift of service struggle to say "no" when asked to volunteer for yet another church ministry and have no time for themselves. Those with the gift of prophecy always seem to "have a word" for everyone but themselves and are consumed at times by the doubt of "Does God hear my prayers?" The one who exhorts can encourage anyone but battles against depression. Those gifted with generosity wonder why do so few give to them when they are in need. The leader ponders "I am surrounded by the people I lead daily and yet I feel so alone" The merciful show mercy to others but fail to receive it themselves when they need it most.

What do we say to this. Just tell them, "Well it is a thorn in your side and God's Grace is sufficient enough" No, good try but it just lacks compassion. Or maybe, "Hang in there you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength" No, "A" for effort but lacks understanding. Or maybe we say "It's because you are in sin." No, just plain lacking.

As a Christian we stand by our brother and sister and encourage them in the faith. To the one who struggles with perfection, we encourage them to grab hold of God's Grace because they were saved through the gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8) and not the toil of their work. For the volunteer who cannot say no, remind that most important thing is not their service but Jesus (Matthew 10:38-42) and even Jesus took a regular break (Luke 5:16). To the prophet who is ridiculed by doubt, remind them that God hears them and will answer them (Psalm 138:3, Psalm 118:5, 21, Psalm 34:4). The one who struggles with depression, We say you are never alone in your battle (2 Corinthians 4:8, Deuteronomy 31:6) and you are always connected to God's love (Romans 8:39). God sees the faithful giver and will supply their needs (Philippians 4:15-19). Encourage the leader to seek out other Christian leaders and form a bond to discuss their concerns, tears, fears, and JOY! or be that person for them (Ecclesiastes 4:12, Proverbs 27:17). And for the merciful looking for mercy the Lord promises they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:17) and His word never fails (Isaiah 55:11). 

The sum of all is this, we should strive to use our gifts for God's Glory. But we should not be so consumed with gifts (of others as well as our own) that we forget to encourage another daily in the faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, 10:25). Because we all need it from time to time. Stay focused you can do this.

"In His JOY!"