Another place to look for opportunities to share God’s Word with others is by looking to those people who are in need. Everyone needs something from time to time whether it be food or just someone to talk with about the things that are going on in their life. Sharing your time, money, food, clothing, or home with others shows that you care about them and are willing to sacrifice things in your life for them. Christians ought to be looking out for those who are in need.
Although many times it is obvious when a person is in need, there are also many times it is not obvious when a person is in need. This is one reason that especially within the church, Christians need to know one another. Christians need to be aware of different types of people who might be in need.
Below I have listed different types of people and their possible needs. Although this is not an exhaustive list, it will help us watch for those in need. Christians should not be afraid to ask others if they have a need; in fact, Christians will be more effective in their ministering if they know exactly what need exists.
- Someone who has had a baby. When a family has just grown through the addition of a new baby, there are many things one can do to help the family out. It might be nice to bring food to the family so that they do not have to cook.
- Someone who has lost a loved one. This is also a great time to prepare meals for the family, but also to comfort the family through words of encouragement and prayer.
- Someone whose family member has been deployed in the military. Show the family how much you appreciate the work of the military and what they are sacrificing for the freedom America enjoys. This is also a great opportunity to show care for those who have been deployed by making a care package or simply sending them a letter of encouragement.
- Someone who is lonely. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Solomon wrote: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
- Someone who is physically sick. If they have children at home, offer to watch the children so that they are not burdened by them. Visit those who are in the hospital. The hospital can be a sad, lonely place. Many people would love to have someone to visit with during the long hours of the day.
- Someone who is spiritually sick. In Galations 6:1-5 Paul wrote: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
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