Last week we talked about how to deal with overly needy people. If you are a Christ-follower, we are called to help the needs of others so this always creates a tension within us. Scripture shows us that Jesus modeled compassion and always helped the needy. "…when (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." Matthew 9:36 NKJV So how do we help people without simply being taken advantage of or enabling them to stay dependent on you rather than God? Here are a few things to remember.
1) OFFER WHAT THEY NEED NOT WHAT THEY WANT.
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up…
Acts 3:6-7
• Identify the real need.
• Pay attention to the show, not just the tell.
2) REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN HELP BUT YOU ARE NOT THEIR SAVIOR.
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. Acts. 3:16
• You must remember that you are called to be Jesus with skin on.
• You must remember that Jesus is the savior, not you.
3) KEEP THE FENCE UP BY SETTING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Mark 1:35-37
• Time boundaries
• Resource boundaries
4) ALLOW THEM TO FACE THEIR CONSEQUENCES.
Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8 NLT
• Rescuing isn’t always helping.
The number one issue is compassion and having the heart of God. Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Luke 5:31 When helping chronically needy people love is most important, but you need wisdom so that you don't enable people to stay needy. God wants us to become healthy and whole & to help others to do the same.
1) OFFER WHAT THEY NEED NOT WHAT THEY WANT.
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up…
Acts 3:6-7
• Identify the real need.
• Pay attention to the show, not just the tell.
2) REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN HELP BUT YOU ARE NOT THEIR SAVIOR.
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. Acts. 3:16
• You must remember that you are called to be Jesus with skin on.
• You must remember that Jesus is the savior, not you.
3) KEEP THE FENCE UP BY SETTING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Mark 1:35-37
• Time boundaries
• Resource boundaries
4) ALLOW THEM TO FACE THEIR CONSEQUENCES.
Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8 NLT
• Rescuing isn’t always helping.
The number one issue is compassion and having the heart of God. Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Luke 5:31 When helping chronically needy people love is most important, but you need wisdom so that you don't enable people to stay needy. God wants us to become healthy and whole & to help others to do the same.