“Therefore all things whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and
the prophets.”-- Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
As stated in
my previous article,
Jesus was the embodiment of this well-known moral code. In our day, we still see
how compassion brings light and love to everyone involved.
Service can
be tricky. We don’t all have the same background. Our frames of reference will
differ.
That’s where
the golden rule comes in. However, it’s not just about how we would want to be treated. In what way would the suffering
individual, with her different personality, want to be handled? Here are some
variables:
- Is the sufferer reserved, or outgoing?
- Will she misinterpret advice given in a strong manner?
- Does she want your counsel, or only a shoulder to cry on?
Our Lives Vary
We all need
help at times. Some challenges may take us through various stages of grief and
living with a new normal.
If our path in
life resembles the image above, we may wonder how we’ll ever reach our destination:
- Does a stress-free stopping place really exist, or is that just a dream?
- What does an untroubled existence feel like?
Our Needs Differ
Opportunities
to serve are everywhere, but we may not always know how to address the needs. Here
are some questions that may go through our minds:
- How do people who seem to have perfect, straightforward lives (as in the image above) help those going through challenges?
- Can individuals who have rarely dealt with death, chronic illness, or sudden loss truly serve loved ones confronted with a body-slamming blow—or even multiple hits?
- Exactly what help will be needed and accepted?
Fortunately,
we don’t need specific answers in order to be helpful. Everyone can play a part
in boosting the affected person. A few simple attitudes have worked for me and
others. Such remedies can make us a valuable ally at all times, regardless of
our background:
Availability--Just be there, emotionally. That is
so comforting. A lot of time and money aren’t always necessary.
Acceptance--Everyone handles stress in a
different way. Some loved ones might not understand a sufferer’s reaction. We
can still be supportive by not being judgmental—within reason.
Support--Less is more. Some people crave time
alone. Many individuals don’t like to share their problems. Additionally,
people in need aren’t always ready or willing to be helped. They may just want
a hug, or a smile.
Patience--Some issues simply must be walked
out. There are no healthy shortcuts through the painstaking process of healing, growing, or grieving. Both the
giver and the receiver of service will often find themselves facing delays.
My Conclusion
“To give real service you must add something
which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and
integrity.”-- Douglas Adams (from www.brainyquote.com)
Service
doesn’t always have to be complicated. It’s more about having an attitude of
compassion. Such a mindset will lead the sincere person to know how and when to
help suffering loved ones.
Related Posts
How does empathy lead you to serve?
No comments:
Post a Comment