Why Bother to Help

Ever wonder why you do the things you do for others or why you don’t do them?

Why Bother is an interesting phrase particularly when you break it down. 

Why (Adverb): For what reason, cause, or purpose

Bother (verb): to take the trouble; inconvenience oneself

Literal Translation: For what reason should I inconvenience myself? 

There are four things we tend to consider when thinking about why or why not to do something for someone else…

What’s in it for me?

Praise from others, a reward for my efforts, etc. 

Is it worth it?

Do I have more important things to do, will the reward be worth the effort, will it cause other stress, do I even have the time, etc. 

Who really cares anyway?

Will it be noticed, am I being taken advantage of, will they be appreciative of what I do, etc.

Will I be judged for not helping?

Guilt, shame, peer pressure, etc.  

These and many other factors play into our decisions to do or not do something. But I think there is another way to think about this that will completely change our perspective, our focus, our reasoning, and very likely, our decision to help. 

And all it takes is a single change that converts the question to a statement. Why Bother (question) becomes I Bother (statement).

Questions are used to determine an action (Why should I bother to do that). 

Statements are used to explain an action (Why I will bother to do that)

By changing to a statement you completely change the meaning of the phrase and the context of the word, Bother. 

I (noun): nominative singular pronoun, refers to oneself

Bother (verb): be concerned about, go out of one’s way

Literal Translation: I concern myself with others

Why Bother is an inconvenience

I Bother is a privilege

It’s A Choice

It’s a choice and here are a few reason why we should choose the statement “I Bother”

Because I Remember From Where I Came

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. - 1 Cor. 1:26

Because of What He Did for Us

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.  Therefore, as it is written; ‘let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ - 1 Cor. 1:30

Because of What He Gave Us

In Him you have been enriched in every way, in all your speaking and all your knowledge - 1 Cor. 1:5

Because of What He Does Through Us For His Glory

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. - Phil: 2:12,13

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ - Matt 25:40

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United Not Cloned