The Impact of Our Helping Others: A Personal Journey

Introduction

Everyone has a natural inclination to help others. However, when we do, what impact do we truly want to have? Is it to simply benefit the lives of those we help, or is there a deeper, more personal benefit at play? This article explores the motivations behind helping and the impact our actions can have on both the recipient and ourselves.

Belief Systems and motivations

My motivation to help stems from my belief in the Baha'i Faith. As a follower of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, I am enjoined to prioritize others over myself. This belief system not only influences my behavior but also shapes the impact of my actions. The essence of Baha'i teachings is centered on unity and peace, and by helping others, I fulfill my belief in contributing to a more harmonious world.

One of the core teachings of Baha'i Faith is to prefer one's neighbor over oneself. This principle is based on the belief that true happiness and fulfillment come from serving others. As a result, my actions are guided by a desire to show unity and oneness with my fellow humans, which is a fundamental mission of Baha'u'llah. By helping others, I am responding to a call to create a community based on mutual respect and cooperation.

A Personal Example: Helping a Homeless Individual

The recent encounter I had with a homeless young man at the bus stop exemplifies the impact of our helping actions. I met this individual as I saw him sitting at the bus stop with suitcases stacked next to him. My approach was to understand his situation and provide support where I could, rather than just offering money. This interaction led me to ask about his utilization of social services, his family, and his recent disappearance.

Upon learning that he was not accessing available social services and that his family was 3000 miles away, I felt compelled to provide him with information on how to access public social services and how to obtain hotel vouchers. I believed that these resources could help him secure stable housing in the long term. His response indicated that he was resourceful, having rented a room at Motel 6 for two nights.

The encounter highlighted the importance of connecting those in need with the available resources. While my initial aim was to make his life a little better, my actions also carried the hope that they would serve as a stepping stone for long-term solutions.

Personal Motivations: A Different Perspective

Not everyone shares the same motivations for helping. Consider the example of a person who views helping others as a means to receive something in return. In such a case, the motivation behind the help is not purely altruistic. For this individual, the act of helping is intertwined with the expectation of a reciprocal action. This perspective can be seen as a form of conditional helping, where the help provided is contingent on the ability or willingness of the recipient to return the favor.

My experience has taught me that true charity is not about receiving returns. Instead, it is about genuinely caring for the well-being of others. While I have received help before, I do not always seek a return in the form of a favor. The real satisfaction comes from knowing that I made a positive impact in someone's life.

Another situation where I help others, regardless of whether I receive anything in return, stems from a belief in the importance of kindness and support. If someone is experiencing difficulties and I can provide assistance, I do so with the hope that the act of helping will improve their situation and, in the process, contribute to a more harmonious and supportive community. However, my willingness to help does not end there. I continue to offer support until the individual's behavior towards me is positive, or until I feel satisfied that the assistance has been useful.

Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of Helping

Whether motivated by belief, personal values, or the desire to make a positive impact, helping others has a profound effect on both the recipient and the helper. By understanding our motivations and the impact of our actions, we can ensure that our helping efforts are genuine and sustainable. Whether it is through the Baha'i teachings of unity and peace, or by simply doing what we can to support those in need, the impact of our actions can ripple through communities and change lives for the better.