Connection: Why Serving Should Be a Two-Way Street
We often picture poverty as lack—lack of money, food, shelter. But what if it’s deeper than that?
Authors Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, in When Helping Hurts, offer a compelling perspective: people living in poverty define it not just materially, but emotionally and relationally—with words like “powerless,” “worthless,” “shameful,” and “invisible.” That changes everything.
It means poverty isn’t just about stuff. It’s about broken relationships—with God, with self, with others, and with creation. That’s something we’ve all experienced. And it means that our approach to “helping” must be more than handouts—it must be about connection.
When we serve others from a posture of superiority—believing we have all the answers, all the resources, and all the power—we miss the heart of Jesus. Yes, it’s better to give than to receive, but true compassion isn’t one-sided. It’s relational. It’s symbiotic.
You are not the hero of someone else’s story. Jesus is. You are not the only one bringing value to the table. In fact, when you slow down to listen, share, and build trust with those in need, you often receive more than you give.
This idea may stretch our thinking. But it also opens our hearts. Because it means our “ministry” isn’t limited to fixing problems—it’s about being present, being teachable, and being transformed alongside others.
That’s what the gospel is all about—restoring Shalom, or peace, through relationship. Not just economic relief, but healing the soul.
Isaiah 58 says, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed… your light will rise in the darkness… The Lord will guide you always.”
Serving others is not about pity. It’s about partnership.
So, where does this meet real life?
It meets us when we stop to hear the story behind someone’s need. When we look a person in the eye instead of looking away. When we serve not from a place of having it all together, but from shared brokenness and compassion.
It’s not about us being “the answer.” It’s about being willing participants in the redemptive work God is doing in the world—and in us.
Serving becomes sacred when it’s relational.
And that’s what Jesus had in mind all along.
Hi! I’m Jo!
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