Another pitfall but also an opportunity surrounds the core
question of “who is my neighbor” when it comes to how we measure helpfulness. While
I write this my daughter is patiently asking for me to play with her doll. I might
by helping someone by writing this (That’s the hope. More on this later.)
but at the same time I’m not helping my daughter learn and grow. The key then
to understanding being more helpful is that it both includes those close to me
like my wife and daughter even as we partner together to be more helpful to others.
Jesus answered this question with a story: The Good Samaritan.
The answer to
the question of who is those in our path of life that need mercy. I think of
this sometimes like a pyramid weighted by need and opportunity. At the bottom
of the pyramid is my family. I see them often and I’m responsible for much love
and mercy as it relates to them. And it is a pleasure for the record.
Next are those I already have a commitment to and interact
with often. Coworkers, extended family, and close friends.
Finally, there are those who may be new to me but who might
have an extra need for mercy. The man in
Saint Paul who’s house blew up from a gas leak. The car that broke down in the
middle of the street. A child in Africa who needs money for school.
Answering the question of who also involves a focus on
purpose over process. You can’t plan who will need mercy, but you can ask God to
open your eyes and bring the right people into your life to help. You don’t
choose your family, yet they too are a huge part of your application
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