A Helping Hand

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-13; Hebrews 6:10-12

“Help me with my mittens, Wes.” Ryder held his hand up to his big brother. “Okay,” said Wes, “but you’re in kindergarten now, Ryder. You should be able to put them on by yourself. Who helps you at school?”

“My teacher,” Ryder replied.

“Are you boys ready to leave for school?” Dad asked as he came into the kitchen, pulling on his coat. “If you are, I’ll give you a ride.”

“We’re ready,” replied Wes, so they said goodbye to Mom and went out to the car.

As they got in, a neighbor came over. “Got a minute, John?” Mr. Glenn asked. “My car won’t start. Could you give me a hand?”

“Sure,” Dad replied. He drove next door, pulled in beside Mr. Glenn’s car, and took jumper cables from his car trunk. The boys watched as the men raised the hoods of both cars and attached jumper cables from the battery in Dad’s car to the one in Mr. Glenn’s. Then Mr. Glenn got in his car and started it.

“Why did you stretch those lines from our car to Mr. Glenn’s?” asked Ryder when they were on their way. “I thought you were going to give him a hand.” Ryder looked at his own hands.

“When we help someone, we call that giving the person a helping hand,” Dad explained. “The battery in our car had power in it, but Mr. Glenn’s didn’t, so we helped him by connecting them. That allowed power to flow from our battery to his so his car would start.”

Soon they arrived at the school. “Have a good day, boys,” said Dad as he pulled up to the curb.

“Yep. You too,” said Wes. “Mom said I could run over to Grandpa’s house after school. I’m going to shovel the walk for him.”

“You gonna give Grandpa a hand?” Ryder asked. “Like you gave me a hand with my mittens?” Wes grinned and nodded. “I guess God likes us to give people a helping hand, doesn’t He?” Ryder said as he got out of the car.

Dad smiled. “He sure does. When we help others, we show them the love of Jesus, who did what we couldn’t do for ourselves when He died and rose again to save us.” Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Have you given anyone a helping hand lately? Can you think of someone who needs you to shovel snow or take in the mail? Maybe an elderly person or a friend with a problem needs someone who’s willing to just be a good listener. There are many different ways you could give somebody a hand today. Think of one, and then do it. You’ll be showing others the love of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 6:10 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. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Help others