Make Life Better for Someone Else

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

To many people in the ancient world, wealth, power, and social standing were viewed as gifts from the gods. However, Jesus said if you want to experience real blessing, use what you have—money, time, skills, energy, resources—to help others. The best way to make life better for yourself is to make life better for someone else.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

These words from Jesus, mentioned by the apostle Paul in Acts, are far more radical than they seem at first glance.

Here are four steps you can take to make a difference in the lives of those who need you.

1. Study Jesus’ example.

Note how different versions of the Bible translate John 10:10, which records one of Jesus’ most famous statements:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)

“My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (NLT)

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (KJV)

Each version reveals an important nuance to Jesus’ purpose. His mission was (and is) to help people find their purpose through the following ways:

• Helping them recognize their worth

• Encouraging them to reach their full potential

• Giving them opportunities to succeed

• Meeting their needs

• Lending a hand in overcoming obstacles

In word and deed, Jesus demonstrated not only his love but also his willingness to help. More to the point, he showed his followers how to do likewise.

2. Look around.

When you’re in a public setting, whether it’s work, church, school, the gym, the supermarket, or a city street, pay attention to the people around you. Take notice of their situations. Allow their emotions, feelings, and needs to register with you. Learn to empathize with others by taking in as much information about them as possible.

3. Listen.

The greatest gift many hurting people can receive is a listening ear—someone who cares enough to enter their world, find out what’s troubling them, ask questions, and get involved. Make a habit of striking up conversations with those you don’t even know. If you show genuine interest in what they say and who they are, you may earn their trust and become privy to their areas of need.

4. Find creative, effective ways to meet people’s needs.

If you have the means to do so, volunteer your services. If not, find people who can. Work as an advocate for those in need. Come alongside them. Let them know you plan to be involved for the long haul. In short, make others glad they met you.

This blog post has been adapted from Walking with Jesus, a special-edition magazine that is now available wherever magazines are sold.