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Begin by giving your definition of helping...
The dictionary's definition (Oxford American Dictionary) is…
* To do part of another person's work for them.
* To make it easier for a person to do something
* To do something for a person in need
Most people have experienced help from another in their lives. What are some examples of help you have experienced?
Can you think of any helpers in the bible? Who were they? Some that come to mind are Caleb, who was so helpful to Moses and Joshua both. Or the disciple Andrew, who always seemed to be bringing people together at just the right time. Or Barnabus, without whom, Paul might have been scorned and rejected by the other apostles.
Do you think help is undervalued by others? Somehow we always refer to helping as "just helping". It is not high profile. It rarely gets attention unless
something is not getting done.
So it is often undervalued by many people. Worst of all, it is undervalued by those who have it.
But Paul did not undervalue it. And God valued it enough that he made it one of a select group of specific gifts and set people apart to serve, and to help by giving them this gift.
Try the following questionnaire. A "1" means the indicator is rarely in your life. A "5" means the indicator is strong in your life.
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I take action to meet physical and practical needs instead of merely
thinking, talking and planning to help. |
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I am quick to see and recognize valid needs of other
people |
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I am oriented towards the practical rather than the emotional needs. |
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I would rather do the helping task than to get someone else to
perform the service. |
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I make an effort to help without being asked. |
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I have a continuing desire to help, even when the one helped gives
an ungrateful response |
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
I often have a greater concern for the well-being of others than for
myself. |
Now look at the list. Are there a lot of fours and fives? If so, you may have the gift of Helping.
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Notice that there are aspects to the gift that go beyond the action. All of us are called to help from time to time. But some people get a particular happiness from helping. Some of us have a joyful attitude about helping. And some of us have the knack of knowing just what kinds of help is needed. These people are often the ones we say have the spiritual gift of helping, something far beyond duty.
Does the questionnaire make you re-think helping. Do you realize the value of helping more than before? Look around your class, or among your friends.
Who has this gift? Make a list.
Once you have a list of people who have this gift, let them know that you recognize the gift of helping in their lives. Helpers
often undervalue their gift, and need encouragement to continue do God’s work. Your kind words may be just what they need to be
re-energized.
The Value of the Gift of Helping
* Why do you think God gave us the Gift of Helping? (Remember his purposes for the gifts!)
* What is our responsibility if we have it?
* How can you develop the gift (if you have it)?
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