I will always stand by this: look for things in the places God has placed them. Our desire to have empathy and help others is not out of place; it's a trait we get from the Father. We are called to be each other's keeper, and scripture reminds us of our interdependency. It's such a beautiful concept—when you understand it in the light of God's Word, you become instrumental in the fulfilling of scripture.

But if you have been paying attention, you would see that something else is happening—something that is not what scripture paints as compassion, and we ought to be very concerned about it. Our care and desire to help are placing us in positions we were never meant for. We have become the source of joy, peace, and love, evaluating situations and making decisions on how help must be given.

I fell right into this trap of falsehood. Out of what I presumed was compassion, I became the source of peace, love, and joy for others in my life. And guess what? I wasn't nearly as helpful as I thought I would be. It all fell apart and led others further away from God instead of leading them to Him. Instead of being a reflection of Christ and emulating Him through my interactions, I became something else entirely.

In repentance, I learned that I can never be more concerned about others than the Lord is. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." I should be honored to be in a position where God uses me to be help to others, but I must never allow myself to interfere in His process.

Prayer for Guidance

Father, thank you for the opportunity to be a vessel used by You in the fulfilling of Your Word. I thank you for placing me in a position to be helpful toward others. I surrender my heart to you, Lord, that I will be led in Your way and be useful in bringing glory to You in all situations. I thank you for the lives of everyone you have placed in my life and for the opportunity to be a keeper of them, just as they keep me. Amen.