Help!

Last week my colleagues learned that I would be taking family leave in order to help my daughter who will be having a baby by C section. They reacted immediately by offering to cover for me while I was gone. Their kindness really blew me away. They knew that in these harsh economic times the board was not going to hire anyone to fill my place, and that I would have to make up for lost time when I returned. I thanked them and thanked God for placing me with such a kind and helpful bunch of people.

In his letters to the churches, the apostle Paul praised the efforts of those who helped him in mininstry. Romans 16 is a testament of the help he received from men and women. Beginning with Phebe and moving on to Priscilla and Aquila, a husband-and-wife team, and many others, Paul expressed his deepest gratitude to them.

Jesus also preached many sermons about the place of service and helpfulness in the life of the believer. On the mount of Olives He said, "... Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me" (Matthew 25: 40). So when we help others, we are not only helping them, but we are helping God Himself.

Let us seek out opportunities to help others the way my coworkers did. Not only will they thank you, but your Heavenly Father will take note and reward you for your good deed. God bless.