The Charism of Helps is a spiritual gift mentioned in the Bible, specifically in 1 Corinthians 12:28. This gift is characterized by a strong desire and ability to serve others and meet their practical needs. People with this gift are often willing to do tasks that others may consider mundane or insignificant.
Characteristics of the Charism
The Charism of Helps can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
Serving in a church or community organization: People with the gift of helps may be drawn to serving in practical ways within their church or other community organizations. They may assist with setting up for events, providing refreshments, or cleaning up after activities.
Volunteering: Those with the gift of helps may enjoy volunteering their time to serve others in need. This may include serving meals at a homeless shelter, helping to build homes with Habitat for Humanity, or assisting with disaster relief efforts.
Providing practical assistance to friends and family: People with the gift of helps may find joy in providing practical assistance to their loved ones. This may include running errands, preparing meals, or helping with household chores.
Assisting in professional settings: In the workplace, those with the gift of helps may be drawn to roles that involve serving others in practical ways. This could include administrative support, customer service, or facilities management.
Overall, the Charism of Helps is a gift that can be used in a variety of contexts to serve others and meet practical needs. Those with this gift can be a valuable asset to any organization or community, and can help to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.
How the Charism is Exercised
To exercise the Charism of Helps, a person should first identify their areas of strength and willingness to serve others in practical ways. This could involve volunteering at a local charity, providing assistance to a friend or family member in need, or offering their time and skills to a church or community organization.
The Charism of Helps is different from similar Charisms such as the Charism of Mercy or the Charism of Hospitality. While the Charism of Mercy involves showing compassion and empathy to those who are suffering, and the Charism of Hospitality involves providing a warm and welcoming environment for others, the Charism of Helps is primarily focused on meeting practical needs.
Pitfalls in the Exercise of the Charism
Potential pitfalls in the exercise of the Charism of Helps include:
Burnout: Those with the Charism of Helps may be so willing to serve others that they neglect their own needs, resulting in burnout and exhaustion.
Enabling: It’s important for those with the Charism of Helps to balance their desire to serve others with the need for personal responsibility and accountability. In some cases, constantly providing assistance may enable others to avoid taking responsibility for their own lives and actions.
Neglecting relationships: While the Charism of Helps is focused on serving others, it’s important not to neglect personal relationships in the process. Those with this gift should strive to maintain a balance between serving others and investing in their own relationships and personal growth.
Dismissing spiritual growth: While the Charism of Helps is a valuable gift, it’s important not to neglect spiritual growth and development in the process. Those with this gift should strive to deepen their relationship with God and seek guidance and discernment as they serve others.
In summary, the Charism of Helps is a valuable gift that can be exercised by serving others in practical ways. Those with this gift should be mindful of potential pitfalls and seek to maintain a balance between serving others and investing in their own personal growth and well-being.
Scriptural References
1 Corinthians 12:28 – “And God has placed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then mighty deeds, then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.”
Romans 12:7-8 – “if service, in serving; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; if giving, in generosity; if leading, with zeal; if showing mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
1 Peter 4:9-10 – “Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
These verses emphasize the importance of serving others and using our gifts to build up the church and the wider community. The Charism of Helps is mentioned specifically in 1 Corinthians 12:28 as one of the gifts that God has placed in the church for the benefit of all.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post