More from Monica A. Andermann

We’ve all been there—in some kind of need at one time or another. For me, a particular experience comes to mind. Many years ago, as my father faced his end of life, my brother, of whom I was guardian, was also under treatment for a terminal illness. For months that autumn, I shuttled between doctor appointments, hospitals, and rehab facilities. High up in the winter, during one of my dad’s lengthier hospital stays, our area experienced a serious snowstorm. While I had intended to remain at home that day, I received a call from the hospital requesting that I meet with a specialist that afternoon regarding Dad’s further care. “Lord,” I called out, “I’m completely worn. I can’t get there of my own power. You’ll have to help me.”

In the wonderful way that God works through people on earth, a cousin called me shortly after saying she was in the area and asking if it would be all right to visit Dad in the hospital. After a quick discussion, she offered to take me there as well and even treated me to lunch afterward. It was a simple act, really, but to me it made all the difference. For the past several months, my focus had been solely on the needs of my family members. At that time, a ride and a relaxed meal with good company had all the healing impact of a week’s vacation at a sunny destination. Her simple act restored and renewed me; I’ll never forget it. Through that experience, I was made more aware of the positive impact such acts of Christian kindness can have.

Paul reminds us, “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11, NIV). Sometimes people are too prideful to ask for or too embarrassed to admit they need help. It’s human nature. Yet, we’ve all been there, and we all need to be there for one another. Sometimes, it is obvious how we can be the hands and feet of God to fulfill another’s need. Other times, we need to “read between the lines” and depend on our God-given intuition to know the best action to take in a situation. No matter how big or small, any act of kindness or charity done in Christian love is sure to make a big difference.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2