Knowing how to listen

“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:10-11

We must take this aspect as the most important of all. Many times we are taken by our own problems, which we often endow with an importance that they do not have. Knowing how to listen to others is a great way to help those who need it. We just have to put aside our selfishness, remain meditating in order to listen to our hearts guided by the love of God.

Generating empathy

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. Proverbs 3:27-28

It is practically impossible to start thinking about extending a hand to others without first generating empathy with those who need our help.

Putting oneself in the other's place and trying to feel what my brother feels at that moment is the motor that drives our sense of duty and our vocation to help. Let us practice this aspect very well in order to be useful to the Lord.

Being a good advisor

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:8

Because our task is not finished by knowing how to listen or generating empathy with those who need help, but we must also give wise advice worthy of the pride of God. That is why we must remember that the best advice we can offer is to turn to the teachings of Christ to find the answer.  

Being generous.

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:10-11

Perhaps the most difficult aspect to achieve is that of being stripped.

We all know well the effort required to acquire those things that contribute to our well-being, while we all know very well that we really deserve it, but being generous with others is about giving up certain benefits in order for our neighbor to have the help needed .

Being open

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:13-14

To receive help when you need it, is one of the most exciting sensations, the rain in times of drought, the answer to our prayers.

But we must also consider taking our help to the next level and being open, inviting those who ask for help to our community, teaching them that everyone is welcome there and that together they can help you better. Let us remember how God invites us to follow him and to always surround ourselves with much love.

Setting the example

“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.” Hebrews 6:10

Let's just think for a moment about how children repeat what we do instead of what we say: in this way our actions influence others.

Because it is the best way to keep the word of God alive, because He wanted it that way, because beyond the teachings that the Holy Bible leaves us, much more important were the examples of unconditional love that the Holy Father has left us as a legacy invaluable.

“Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” Psalm 118:25-26

Challenges A good solution so that we do not feel disappointed every time we find an obstacle on our way to God that we must overcome is to see it as a challenge, a gauge that will tell us how strong our Faith is and how strong our patience. We must put aside the question of whether we can achieve it or not: God knows yes.

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5

Once they're outgrown, they'll be part of your accomplishments. Just as the Olympic competitor exhibits the medals obtained throughout his career as an athlete, we can also do the same with the achievements we have obtained by successfully walking the path of the Lord; by overcoming the tests that He puts in our way, the same ones that make us a better person day by day. Such tests overcome become new acquired virtues, which contribute to strengthen our faith and have more tools to serve God.

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

These are messages from God. Thus, it is very important how we see the trials that are presented to us daily. One small idea is to see such trials as what they really are: indirect messages from God that tell us that we need to strengthen this or that part of our personality, which in the future will be reflected in a new virtue that we will have acquired. It is in such cases that we must ask ourselves what God intends for us to exercise with such a test.

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

These are messages from God. Thus, it is very important how we see the trials that are presented to us daily. One small idea is to see such trials as what they really are: indirect messages from God that tell us that we need to strengthen this or that part of our personality, which in the future will be reflected in a new virtue that we will have acquired. It is in such cases that we must ask ourselves what God intends for us to exercise with such a test.

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelations 3:21

Test your Faith. The obstacles that we must overcome in our passage through this world are small tests that we must overcome by relying on our Faith;

They are necessary indicators that tell us what state our Faith is in, so we can know if we need to exercise it, strengthen it or simply make use of it when we need it or when some brother or sister also needs it.

When we commit ourselves to God daily, we will experience the blessings that He promises us. All hands on deck! Under the idea of doing it with love, His holy blessing lights our path with compassion.

“But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” Psalms 59:16 -17

We will be more than happy Since under the idea of doing it all with love, His holy blessing will light our path with compassion, making us the owners of the purest joy. Let us then remember through, that our happiness depends purely and exclusively on our hearts.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” Psalms 92:1-4

We will practice true forgiveness We have often been satisfied with forgiving our neighbor, but we rarely ever think about whether our forgiveness is real. In order to achieve it, we must set aside our pride, and that is achieved by creating a bridge of empathy for those who offended us.

”O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble.” Isaiah 33:2

We will be His worthy children Because there is no greater pride than being called children of God, which makes us heirs to the most sought out trust: the trust of our Holy Father, at the same time we are charged with the greatest duty of all: to represent Christ at all times, with every word that comes out of our mouth and all action that our body partakes.

“ And they shall stand every morning, thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening,” 1 Chronicles 23:30

We will be worthy of eternal life at His side One of His most famous promises, alongside the promise of His second coming, surely is that of eternal life for all of His sons and daughters. If at times we think that walking God's path is not an easy task, we must also keep in mind the promise of eternal life as our goal in this race, as a prize to aspire to. Just imagine for a moment how it would be to spend an eternity next to Christ's love.

“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.” Psalms 121:7-8

Trust in the Almighty God. Let's keep in mind that there is a moment in our lives when we will have to remember that there are things that escape our desires.

It is at those moments that we must trust in the Lord a lot more fervently, remembering that He loves us and His plans for us will always be for the best. Strengthen your Faith today through prayer and increase your trust in the Lord.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

The world is not against you. Keep these words in your mind, since often we think that the world has been plotting against us, when in truth it is we who have a distorted view. By assgning vital importance to the least of our problems, we begin to believe that everything revolves around us and that the world is setup to make life impossible for us. Be supportive so you can exercise your empathy.

“Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Set yourself goals. Many times, short-term goals are a great help when we feel disoriented about which way to go. This way we can face the whole picture with that goal in mind: Ask the Lord for advice through your prayers; read His word carefully, which serves as a guide for our lives; follow His example: only in Him will you be able to triumph.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.” Psalms 73:26

Be grateful. It is very important to remember to be grateful in our prayers, only then can we remember to set aside our selfishness and avoid praying solely to ask and plead. Being grateful is the cornerstone of humility. But we must also try to be grateful in our actions, because as we recall it is useless to remember it in our prayers if we do not practice it. For they may praise our words, but they will imitate our example.

“As in water face answers to face, so the mind of man reflects the man.” Proverbs 27:19

Love, because that is the most important thing that God has taught us through His word and actions. He is the example we must follow in this life. For that we have the most complete guide in His word, that advises us to do good in every situation we traverse. It comforts us in difficult times and instructs us when we feel disoriented. But the most important thing of all is that there is nothing without love

1. Always remain alert to the Lord's call

No matter where we are or what we are doing, God puts us to the test at all times and places. This means that we have to be willing to make sacrifices, to have our senses open and alongside an available heart.

We will come across people who think they are lost or off the path of our Heavenly Father's enlightenment. To help them, giving them the support needed to recover the Faith, will be a task that will bring us closer to our divine mission as children of God.

2. Thank all those who come in solidarity

Gratitude is a fundamental basis for us to be able to grow as sons and daughters of the Holy Spirit. Solidarity manifests itself at moments in which one feels that they have to be grateful for God's blessings.

Regardless of the gesture one may offer, whether it's a hug, the ability to intervene in a problematic situation, being able to have a sincere conversation, full of hope and love, our Heavenly Father will guide our words and actions in order to reach a healing destination.

3. Let's continue giving an example of Faith to the children

Since our birth we have received the love and care of our loved ones. They should be able to guide us in our first steps towards the light and Glory of the Lord.

What would be more in line with the path of the Lord? To be able to instill His word in our children, without forgetting that Jesus did not miss a single opportunity to be able to inspire us with His teachings. Always remembering the respect and love that God the Father wants us to have for our children.

4. We learn from our differences when we help our neighbors

Being able to consider the needs of other people, being able to understand that in the diversity of feelings and experiences lived, lies the true value of Faith. We must always try to reach out to those who need it most.

Being able to see ourselves through the eyes of the Lord will lead us on a path of justice and absolute truth. Guided by the Glory of Jesus who nourishes the love and care that is found within our hearts.

5. To value our life we ​​must trust in the Holy Spirit

If we work from a position of Faith and think about every decision we make in our life contemplating our Heavenly Father, we will be guaranteed eternal life in communion in the temple of heaven.

There is nothing more rewarding than being in solidarity. Our true reward is found in our daily work, where we can recompose our hope and the love that surrounds us, offering acts of Faith. From the prayer where we always ask more of God and to be able to be worthy of his blessing and his Glory.

“That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love.” Ephesians 3:16-17

Trust Remember that the Lord has a plan for each one of us and that it is specially designed to work with our defects and enhance our virtues. When facing a moment of doubt, remember that God, as a good Father, loves us unconditionally and will never wish evil on us, His flock.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Pray, because we should never underestimate the power of prayer. Do not forget that prayer is the most important form of communication we have with God.

By being in direct communication with our Father, we strengthen our trust in Him and meditate in search of an answer. Something that is essential for us to keep in mind is that we need to be grateful. Let us not forget to be thankful for everything that the Lord blesses us with every day.

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6

Be patient. Because walking in God's path is not an easy task; and the changes we need in ourselves will not happen overnight.

If we want to act as Jesus did, we must have the same patience He had: patience to wait for answers, patience to endure all the evil that was placed in His path. So remember: patience tempers the spirit.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Seek advice. Use prayer as much as you want in order to communicate. Ask the Lord for counsel to guide your heart when making decisions over which you have no absolute certainty.

Also ask for advice from your loved ones and other trustworthy people: many times they have gone through similar situations to what you are going through and knowing their choices may lead you to a safe harbour.

“Without having seen[a] him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.” Peter 1:8-9

Imitate. This is the most important advice, the one that without a doubt will never fail. Because by imitating God you will never do evil.

Following his example, you will earn a place with Him in eternal life; You will know the joy of loving your neighbor and help them when they need it. That way you will enjoy life and see it through the eyes of the Lord.