Serving Others and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

Question:

 
I would like to refer to some scripture regarding the desire of helping others, or being God's servant.
What I find when I listen to my friends (or even myself, on occasion) as we struggle to help others going through emotional crises, is that we end up being all worn out and stressed out ourselves, or feel empty and used when the crisis is over. Is there scripture that can give guidance on when to help someone and when to walk away before it begins to hurt yourself?

Comment:

My personal tendency is always to start with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) any time I'm seeking practical guidance on combining our spiritual purpose with the demands of our human existence. Jesus was extremely practical, and he certainly knew the challenge of staying centered and at peace while being of service to other people.

  His most significant advice, I think, has to do with refraining from judging. The healing, empowering, helpful energy of God must be the Source of everything we try to do for others. If we allow that energy to flow freely—not as an obligation, but as a joyful expression of our spiritual purpose—it will never tire us or drain us—how could it, since that energy is infinitely loving and empowering. It's when we try to add our own ego energy—deciding who deserves healing, or how difficult it will be, or how inadequate we feel—that we begin to weary ourselves. If we are truly surrendered to the Presence and Power of God flowing through us, we will be guided to rest when we need it, and nourishment when we need it, and relaxation when we need it.   After all, even Jesus initially tried to put limits on the work that was his to do. "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel," he says in Matthew 15:24. But he quickly learns that no such artificial limitations are necessary. "The measure you give will be the measure you get," (Matthew 7:2), so there is no need to worry about running dry.   So blessings on your willingness to be the channel of love and support that others need. Resist the temptation to think that it comes from you. It comes through you—from a Source that is never weary or depleted. So long as you trust that Source, all will be well.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed