I ran across this recently on social media. “A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge. It is a heart full of love; an ear willing to listen; and a hand willing to help others ” Although we should never sell short the usefulness of knowledge based on God’s word and personal experience, that statement puts them in the right order for a full and productive Christian life.
I have always had ears that are willing to listen, but I’m working on paying closer attention without my mind thinking of a reply or my solution. As a husband, it took me a while to realize when my wife would share with me something that was bothering her that she wasn’t looking for my solution, but just a willing, understanding ear. As a man, I thought I had to fix things for her even though I knew she was fully capable of handling it herself. There are definitely times when silence is golden. James, the brother of Jesus, had it right when he wrote, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters. You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19) Job’s friends had it right when they silently sat with him for days without speaking. It was when they began to speak that they made matters worse for him
At this point in my life, my spirit is still willing to provide a helping hand, so even though my body is weak I can still provide help to others by reaching out to them with encouragement and prayer Help doesn’t always have to be physical or even financial to be of great value to those around us .Strong people lift people who are weaker than them, instead of putting them down.
Every born again Christian is provided with a heart full of God’s love. Our acts of kindness are simply that love put into action. Love is not an object we possess; it is something we do and something we feel when others show their love for us through their actions. The Greeks have several words for different types of love. There is romantic love for our mate; brotherly love for our brothers and sisters in Christ; love for our parents and family members; and love for our neighbors and mankind in general. In English we have that one four letter word to describe all of those and even a strong like of things (like ice cream or pizza). When we are filled with God’s love, those other kinds of love come so much easier.
I have always tried to fill my head with knowledge and since the age of 13, I have not been afraid to share that knowledge with anyone who would listen – even large groups of people. Add to that 68 years living life with the Holy Spirit as my teacher and developing a deeper relationship with Jesus and our heavenly Father and I was ready to share what I know with you in this blog. I hope you find it both useful and encouraging.