Fundamental notions to be able to extend help to those in need, lend a hand and listen to those who need it.
To be able to listen
"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:10-11
We must take this aspect as the most important of all. Many times we are taken by our own problems, which we often give them an importance that they do not have.
Knowing how to listen to others is a great way to help those in need. We only need to put aside our selfishness, to remain meditating in order to listen to our heart guided by the love of God.
Exercising Empathy
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you." Proverbs 3:27-28
It is practically impossible to begin to think about reaching out to others without first generating empathy with those who need our help.
Putting ourselves in the other person's shoes and trying to feel what our brother feels at that moment is the engine that drives our sense of duty and our vocation to help. Let us practice this aspect very well in order to be of service to the Lord.
Speak and give the necessary word of encouragement
" Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." Matthew 10:8
Because our task is not finished with knowing how to listen nor with generating empathy with those who need help, but we must also give wise counsel worthy of God's pride. That is why we must remember that the best advice we can give is to turn to the teachings of Christ for the answer.
Encouraging Generosity
"What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”" Luke 3:10-11
Perhaps the most difficult aspect to achieve is that of being stripped.
We are all well aware of the effort required to acquire those things that contribute to our well-being, and we all know very well that we really deserve it, but being generous with others is about giving up certain benefits so that our neighbor can have the help he needs.
Keeping Open-mindedness
"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Romans 12:13-14
Receiving help when it is needed is one of the most exciting feelings, the rain in times of drought, the answer to our prayers.
But we should also consider taking our help to the next level and be open, inviting those who ask for help into our community, showing them that all are welcome and that together they can help them better. Let us remember how God invites us to follow him and to always surround ourselves with much love.
Having an example
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
Let us think just for a moment how our children repeat what we do instead of what we say: in that way they influence our actions on others.
Because it is the best way to keep the word of God alive, because He wanted it that way, because beyond the teachings that the Holy Bible leaves us, much more important were the examples of unconditional love that the Holy Father has left us as a priceless legacy.