3 Ways to Support Those Around You Facing Financial Stress

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan

I am reminded of the story in the Gospel of John where we see Jesus presented with a logistical problem. He finds himself in a remote area, surrounded by more than 5,000 people, who are becoming hungry. I love that, instead of turning from these people’s needs, Jesus responds to it.  Now the Bible says Jesus already knew what He was going to do (John 6:6) but, He wanted His disciples to be part of the solution so, He put the problem to them.  The disciples did some quick math and concluded that they would need more than 6 months wages to cover the cost of providing enough bread for everyone in attendance to have even a taste. The situation was humanly impossible.

But – this is the point where the story gets interesting – the disciples had been with Jesus a little while now and I suspect had started to catch on to the fact that Jesus (a)  loves to help people; and (b) is a master of increase.  The story tells us that a young lad came to Andrew with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish in his lunch box. It often goes unsaid but I can’t help but notice this boy is clearly the only one of the 5000 to have had the foresight to bring a little tucker. I’ve also concluded he must’ve been Italian as we always tend to be thinking of our next meal but a few minutes after finishing our last –  I digress. Still doubting, Andrew brought the young man to Jesus and said “what good will this do among so many people?”.

I love the response of this young boy to the problem at hand. While he must have known that the contents of his lunchbox could not solve the entire problem, he was willing to use what he had to be part of the solution.  He brought his resources to Jesus and, from that, Jesus was able to amplify what he had to bless the entire multitude that day. Not to mention, the Bible tells us there was a huge surplus left over.

Psalm 1 teaches us that it is what we DO that will prosper. Sometimes we just need to bring something to Jesus for Him to bless.  If we hold on tightly to what we have, that is all it will ever be.  If the young boy in this story had eaten his lunch, which he was perfectly entitled to do, that is all it would ever have been.  But, the act of bringing it before Jesus brought increase and blessed all those around him.

You will regularly find that needs and financial stress will arise amongst family and friends. While you might not be able to solve all the problems yourself, don’t disqualify your ability to be part of the solution.  Remember, it is what you DO that will bring about increase and blessing.

Here are three ways you can support those around you:

1. Give an encouraging word. Everyone and anyone can do this and it doesn’t cost a thing. Sometimes, all a person needs from us is reassurance, a little hope, and the strength and support to keep pushing through a tough time. We all have the ability to do this for others and this small but important act of support is so often overlooked when determining how we can help those around us.
2. Teach them how to solve or navigate the issue. We often find in life that people are not given the tools to solve or move beyond their financial struggles. Share your learnings or show them a different way so that they don’t continue repeating the behaviour which led them to the issue in the first place.  Maybe they need to learn how to spend less than they earn, how to prioritise their spending, or build in financial disciplines that will lead them out of debt and into a secure financial future.  These tools don’t occur to someone out of nowhere and it doesn’t happen by chance – they are taught, learned, and practiced. Of course, sometimes we don’t know all the answers or have the learnings ourselves but, we can encourage someone to look for support with these issues. There are resources, teachings and support out there that are designed to assist people in solving these very same issues. “Teach a man to fish” if you will.  
3. Be the solution. There may be times where you can solve someone’s financial problem. Of course, you must ensure it is the best thing in the circumstances, as solving a problem they are destined to repeat may not be sensible. If it is an episodic issue, say a one-off mistake, or something unexpected has happened then, by all means, bless them. On the other hand, if it is habitual overspending on things like fashion or entertainment – they need to learn how to live by a Money Plan and only buy things budgeted with money they actually have.

It is an incredible blessing to be able to support those around you. Don’t let your inability to solve the entire solution stop you from being a support and being part of the solution! And generosity has its own reward!

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” – Apostle Paul (Acts 20:35)