How does your availability showcase God's love to others
Sometimes, you might step back from situations, saying no to a friend in need or turning away because you feel "too busy." It is okay to prioritize your well-being, but if laziness is the reason, that can be a concern. Being available is not just a choice; it is a part of God's commandment to help and serve others.
Wondering how? In this article, we will break it down and offer practical tips on being available both physically and emotionally.
God’s love
Firstly, your availability showcases God's love by demonstrating selflessness. When you make time for others, putting their needs above your own, you reflect the sacrificial love that God has for us. As Philippians 2:4 advises, "Let each of you look not only to his interests but also to the interests of others."
Secondly, your availability exemplifies God's compassion. In moments of distress or sorrow, your presence can provide solace and comfort, echoing the compassionate nature of our Creator. Galatians 6:2 states, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Thirdly, your availability manifests God's grace. When you extend grace to others by being available, you mirror God's unmerited favor towards us. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Lastly, your availability embodies God's commandment to love one another. Jesus himself declared in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another."
How to be physically available
Physical availability means being present and ready to engage with others tangibly. It involves making yourself physically accessible for those who may need your assistance or company. When you are physically available, you are there in person, not just in spirit. For example, if a friend is moving and asks for help, your physical availability means you show up to lend a hand with the boxes and furniture.
Being physically available also extends beyond mere proximity. It is about actively participating in the lives of those around you. This could mean attending a family gathering, showing up for a friend's event, or volunteering your time for a community project.
Being physically available also involves being approachable and open to interaction. If someone needs to talk or share a moment with you, being physically available means you make yourself accessible for such moments. Whether it is a coworker seeking advice or a child wanting your attention, your physical availability communicates that you are ready and willing to engage with others in the physical realm.
That said, here are ways how.
Clear out parts of your schedule
Deliberately set aside specific periods in your calendar for activities that involve being present with people. For instance, designate an evening each week to spend quality time with your family, or allocate a few hours on the weekend to assist a friend with a project.
Do check-ins, online and offline
Another way to enhance your physical availability is through regular check-ins, both online and offline. Send a message to friends or family members, or make a quick phone call to see how they are doing. Similarly, in face-to-face interactions, take the time to ask about someone's day or well-being. These simple acts of checking in demonstrate your willingness to be present and engaged in the lives of those around you.
Participate in group chats
Participating in group chats is another effective way to make yourself physically available. Whether it is on messaging apps or social media platforms, engaging in group conversations allows you to stay connected with multiple people at once. By actively participating in these discussions, you create opportunities for real-time interaction and support, making your physical presence felt even in the digital space.
Schedule ahead
Plan your commitments, whether it is attending a family event, a friend's celebration, or a community gathering. By scheduling these engagements ahead of time, you not only demonstrate your commitment to being physically present but also avoid conflicting obligations.
How to be emotionally available
Sometimes, even when you are physically present, you may find yourself emotionally or mentally absent. This can give the impression that you do not really care, despite your actual presence in the moment.
Emotional availability is more than just physical presence; it involves being open and responsive to the feelings and needs of those around you. It means being there not only in body but also in mind and heart.
Open up to others
Share your thoughts and feelings with those around you. By expressing yourself, you create an environment where others feel comfortable doing the same. Open communication fosters emotional connection, allowing you to be present and engaged in the emotional experiences of those you interact with. When you open up, you invite others to do the same, strengthening the bonds of understanding and support.
Increase self-compassion
Be kind and understanding towards yourself, recognizing your own emotions and needs. When you cultivate self-compassion, you develop a greater capacity to empathize with the emotions of others. This self-awareness and empathy contribute to your emotional availability by creating a foundation of genuine care and understanding. As you grow in self-compassion, you naturally extend that compassion to those around you, fostering emotional connection and openness.
Be self-aware
Take the time to consider how your behavior may impact others emotionally. Understanding your emotional responses and recognizing patterns allows you to be more conscious of your actions, fostering an environment of emotional openness.
For instance, suppose you notice a pattern of becoming defensive during disagreements with your partner. Being self-aware and reflecting on your actions in this context involves pausing to consider how your defensive responses might impact your partner emotionally. By recognizing this pattern, you become more conscious of your tendency to escalate conflicts. This self-awareness allows you to proactively address the issue, perhaps by taking a moment to calm yourself during disagreements or finding healthier ways to express your concerns.
Practice talking about complex matters
Engage in conversations about emotions, concerns, and deeper aspects of life. By practicing open communication on complex subjects, you create a space for emotional connection. This willingness to delve into deeper discussions demonstrates your commitment to being emotionally present and available for meaningful interactions.
Take responsibility for your actions
Responsibility for your actions is another crucial aspect of emotional availability. Acknowledge when you may have hurt or affect someone emotionally. By taking ownership of your behavior, you show that you value the emotional well-being of others.
Change your mindset, from selfishness to kindness
Shift your focus from solely considering your needs to actively caring about the feelings and needs of others. Cultivate a mindset of kindness and empathy, recognizing that emotional availability involves a genuine concern for the well-being of those around you.
For others
In our time on earth as Christians, you are called to be of help to others. It is a fundamental aspect of living out your faith. One significant way you can fulfill this calling is by being available. This means actively making yourself present and accessible to those around you, ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of helping and serving others, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ in your actions.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
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