All around us there are those who live in need. Some people’s needs are obvious. Others carry burdens that may not be so evident but are equally hard to bear. As we pay close attention to the people around us, we will become aware of their suffering and how we can help lighten the load they carry.
The recipient of our kindness may be a loved one, or it may be someone who crosses our path for only a moment. Our compassion will prepare us to act in the instant of opportunity to do something positive, something worthwhile. The good we do may be just what is needed.
In a neighborhood of moderate houses and “average” people lives a woman who draws little attention from the world at large. On baking day she walks to the homes of those she feels might be cheered by a plate of cookies or a warm loaf of bread. Perhaps more important than her little offering of food are the smile and kind words of encouragement which always accompany the tasty gift—a quick compliment, a look of understanding, and, on occasion, a few minutes just to chat, to listen.
The range of possibilities for loving service is vast. Though some have given their all as a testament of unselfish sacrifice, every one of us is given opportunities to offer what we can. We can be modern-day good Samaritans as we answer the question “Who is my neighbour?”1 by visiting the sick, helping the hungry and homeless, reading to a child, cheering someone up with a hopeful word, or including in our circle someone who is lonely. Such acts of kindness will lift others and, in the process, make our own troubles seem less significant.
The light of our lives burns brighter and all the world seems better when we give a little of ourselves to assist someone in need. And we’re all in need. In such service we also serve the One who inspires all good deeds, for, said He, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . , ye have done it unto me.”2
Program #3906
1. Luke 10:29.
2. Matthew 25:40.