3 things you should avoid doing so that you can bless others

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We as Christians should always be on the lookout for ways to be a blessing to others. We can bless others in many ways, and some of these ways aren't the usual "give something to someone" type of thing – it could also be in the form of not doing or not giving something to another.

Remember, "each of us will give a personal account to God. So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall." (see Romans 14:12-13)

What are some things you should avoid doing so that you can bless others? Consider these:

1. Don't give people too much help

They say "too much of something is bad," and that is true in the area of being a generous or helpful person. Not only does it spoil or make the recipient of your kindness dependent on you; it also makes them lose the ability to exercise their faith and grow in maturity.

Suppose you have a brother in need of help. He comes and asks for some help in paying bills. Of course, being a "kind" and "generous" brother you help him by lending him some amount of money. Then after some time the brother comes back and says that he needs more money for another "emergency," to which you give without doubting or checking if they're honest. After all, you're "nice." Then the situation gets repeated over and over. What happened?

Your brother went deep in sin by being lazy, and not working hard for his bills. If he didn't pay up, he's in debt, which is another sin. Worse, it's because of your kindness that he sinned – so you've sinned, too. Stop being so nice and help people work for themselves. (see Galatians 6:1)

2. Don't stop others from taking on challenging roles

Suppose you are worried that a brother or sister in church may not be ready yet for the task that they volunteered to do. Would you stop them, try to take on their load, or simply help them succeed in their God-given task by praying for and physically helping them?

Our brothers might need to face a certain task so that they might mature in the Lord, so don't stop them or try to take the load away from them. Don't treat them like little babies because God wants to train all believers to learn to fight the good fight of faith. (see Psalm 18:34)

3. Don't make decisions for them

The Bible says that each of us must look after our own tasks. (see Galatians 6:4-5) Friend, your task is to make decisions for yourself, and not to make decisions that others should make. You can influence them to make decisions, but you should never take away the opportunity for them to decide for themselves, unless they are in no capacity to make godly, wise and right choices (like when they're deep in bondage to sin).

Help your brother decide by giving him sound and godly advice, but don't decide for him if he can decide for himself. Letting your brother decide for himself, then letting him face the consequences of that decision, will help him become a responsible and mature Christian who will know what to decide next.