Love As Help
It is easy to say we love humanity in the abstract; it is harder to love particular individuals. Yet, we are to love individuals – each and every individual (cf. 1 Tim 2:1). We reach out, as we are able, to serve them by working to bring about what is good for them. This is not burdensome because love makes such effort a joy: “While faith makes all things possible, it is love that makes all things easy” (Evan H. Hopkins).
We are glad to promptly reach out to help as soon as we behold the need and recognize our capacity to meet it in some way (1 Jn 3:17). The extent and specific type of help may not be what the recipient had in mind but love, which seeks their good, will keep our help responsible: “Love, and do what you will” (Augustine). Thus, when we love we will help in some way, through a wish-prayer or some other expression, because “there is no love which does not become help” (Tillich) and, in general, “Whoever loves much, does much” (Thomas a Kempis).
However, the Lord does not expect us to try to meet every need of every person who comes across our path (Jn 12:3-8). We must be led by the Spirit (Gal 5:25) and give within the field of responsibility the Lord has assigned to us (2 Cor 8:3-5 with 2 Cor 10:13). In addition, we must remember the lesson that Teresa of Avila learned – God doesn’t care that we offer extravagant help or do fabulous things, but it does matter to Him that whatever He has us do is done out of love (1 Cor 13:1-3).
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.