Daily Devotional - September 24th, 2025
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
“Although we are commanded to serve our fellow men, when our empathy or compassion gets in the way of personal responsibility and self-determination, we do more harm to the human soul than good. When we do for people what they can and should do for themselves, we cheat them out of the joy of accomplishment and rob them of the opportunity to reach their highest potential” - Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
True compassion empowers rather than enables the weak. When we assume the responsibility to do everything for someone, we rob them of the dignity that comes from capability. True love often requires us to have faith enough to let people endure some struggle so as to develop strength in critical areas of their lives.
The goal of help should always be to increase someone’s capacity for self-reliance, not create permanent dependence that enslaves the individual to a life of mediocrity. This requires wisdom to know when to help and when to step back.
Scripture:
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Daily Application:
Examine your relationships for patterns of enabling. Is there someone you’ve been helping in a way that might be preventing their growth? Look for ways to shift from doing for them to empowering them.