I am quick to share information when someone needs help, but what matters more is coming alongside them on their journey. Sharing information is helpful, but people often just need someone to listen and be there.
We build relationships through caring enough to understand and ask questions rather than believing we have the answers.
Instead of giving others what I think they need, I have learned (finally!) to ask. There is a great book titled "When helping hurts." It is a call for the church to alleviate poverty without hurting the poor by rebuilding relationships. I think this applies to us individually as well.
In helping others, let's take the time to understand the problem from their perspective. Find out what they consider valuable so we can be of help, while letting people know we care.
God's Word wisely tells us in Proverbs 18:13, "To answer without listening is folly and shame."
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