BGEA: A family down the street has been having a lot of problems recently. As a Christian, I feel I ought to help them, but I don't want to be nosey or intrude on their privacy.

I feel bad because I just found out that a family down the street has been having a lot of problems recently (the wife had a serious operation), and no one in the neighborhood even knew it. As a Christian, I feel I ought to help them, but I don't want to be nosey or intrude on their privacy. — Mrs. H.L.

If you were going through the same experience this family has, wouldn't you want others to know about it and help you in any way they could? I'm sure you would. And yet as far as you know, this family has had the added burden of facing this crisis alone.

This is why I encourage you to reach out to them and let them know you care. Yes, perhaps they are very private and don't want help from others—but how will you know unless you try? They may just be shy, or feel that the neighborhood hasn't been very welcoming. Remember the familiar words of Jesus (which we often call "the Golden Rule"): "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12).

One way to reach out would be to do something practical for them—bake a cake, or take them a casserole or a pot of homemade soup. (Over the years, I suspect my wife, Ruth, has provided hundreds of meals to neighbors who were going through some kind of difficulty.) Or you might offer to go shopping for them or go with her to the doctor, or do something else they find difficult right now.

Most of all, let them know you are praying for them—and be sure you do. Remember: God may want to use you to point them to the greatest friend anyone can ever have: the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Comments

Mitchell says 8.11.2011, 7:21 p.m.

We had been attending a church for quite sometime, our daughter, after having her second kidney transplant continued to be sick. The Pastor visited a few times while she was in the hospital, but once we had returned home we received no calls, letters, words of encouragement from anybody from the church. It was our neighbor who has lived across the street from us since we moved in who came over see what she could do, or get or help in any way that meant so much to us. We didn't even know her name, and her visit brought so much joy. People need us so much to reach out with the Love of our Lord, Thanks

Karen says 8.11.2011, 11:29 a.m.

ABSOLUTELY fantastic answer! How many times I have experienced a difficult time and people even in my church seemed to avoid me... It hurt so very much and I didn't understand it. When we are going through a trial, God can use someone to show His love in a powerful way! It is then that we are most vulnerable, and desperately need the love and encouragement of God... through His people! Thanks!!

Janice says 8.10.2011, 11:12 a.m.

This is just the kind of Christian advice we all might benefit from. I have learned from time to time that my best intentions are/were not always appreciated, either. We can reflect/deflect on a sinful world for that observation. This experience was related to other issues/concerns usually not of my making. I have also learned first hand that CONSISTENCY in ACTIONS communicates Christian love/concern more powerfully than just words. Thank you for useful advice today. v/r, Janice