THE MORAL OF THE STORY:The good Book can help us all help others

“There is great security in opening God’s timeless Book and hearing His voice. It calms our fears. It clears our heads. It comforts our heart. Let it have its entrance today.”

— Charles R. Swindoll

“I really enjoyed reading your column about the Bible last week, and that you said that it is so relevant to our lives today,” a friend said to me.

“I had a great experience with the Bible lately that reminded me of that fact. I’ve been having trouble with a co-worker at work. She gets upset easily, and seems to take her anger and frustrations out on me. The first two times she yelled at me, I reacted wrong. Once I responded very sarcastically and the next time I pretty much yelled back at her. Then I read in my Bible a verse that says something about a gentle answer turning away wrath. So the next time she unleashed her wrath on me, I very calmly asked: “What would you like me to do to help the situation?” The look of surprise on her face was priceless; she was so confused that she didn’t know what to say. For once, she was speechless. She just shook her head, turned and walked away. The next time it happened, I simply said: “How can I best help you right now?” Again she was quiet and then muttered something while walking away. Later she asked me to do something for her, and she never acknowledged our earlier interchanges, but she treated me better and hasn’t exploded at me since. She may have changed a little, but I think I changed a lot. I feel so much better inside, more peaceful and in control. I have read just the thing I needed to hear many times in the Bible, but that is my most recent experience and I’m sure happy about it!”

I thanked my friend for sharing her story and agreed that the Bible, though written so long ago, addresses situations that we face today.

I thought about that some more after walking through a bookstore where I was amazed at the volume of books in the self-help section. Granted, there are many wonderful books that are very helpful for issues and problems in life — in fact, I own many of them.

But it occurred to me that often it is my “self” that got me into trouble in the first place, and more of “me” isn’t always going to solve it. That’s one of the many great things about the Bible; it is God’s timeless truth, and it has answers for our questions and situations.

For example, some of the many pertinent issues it addresses are: fear, finances, forgiveness, future, God’s presence, guidance, guilt, hope, joy, love, peace, priorities, relationships, wisdom and worry.

I don’t think I’m the only one who appreciates God’s help with those things. There are times when self-help books aren’t enough, and I need the Bible, filled with “God-help,” for the day.

And you can quote me on that.