July 12, 2019 (Friday)
Self-reliance was a virtue that characterized pioneers. We love to read about how the early settlers in this country were independently-minded, courageous and unafraid as they faced new challenges daily.
William Ernest Henley, about 150 years ago, wrote a famous poem which commended an independent spirit with,”I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
There was a cute song that was popular as I was growing up that asked the question, “Do you need any help? Do you need any help? Do you need any help?” and offered the answer, “I can handle this job all by myself.”
Most of us discover, however, that “no man is an island,” and welcome help from others when it is really needed. The Bible urges us to “bear one another’s burden” (Galatians 6:2).
John Lennon and Paul McCartney echoed Paul’s teaching with a song: “Help me if you can, I’m feeling down, And I do appreciate you being round, Help me get my feet back on the ground. Won’t you please, please help me.”
Liz Curtis Higgs offers 10 Ways to Help One Another:
1. “Love one another.” John 13:34
2. “Accept one another.” Romans 15:7
3. “Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16
4. “Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
5. “Instruct one another.” Romans 15:14
6. “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Ephesians 4:32
7. “Offer hospitality to one another.” 1 Peter 4:9
8. “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
9. “Submit to one another.” Ephesians 5:21
10. “Encourage one another daily.” Hebrews 3:13
“Lord Jesus, please write these commandments on the tablets of our hearts. Enable us not only to remember them, but also to do them. Let Your love be our motivation and Your Word be our constant inspiration.”
As we help one another, let us ask the Lord to help us. Horatio R. Palmer, also about 150 years ago, wrote a hymn that offers great advice: “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen and keep you, He is willing to aid you. He will carry you through.”