As followers of Christ, we are called to be available to those around us, showing love, kindness, and a willingness to serve. Availability means putting others before ourselves, listening with compassion, and being present when someone is in need. The Bible teaches us that availability is not just about time but about our hearts being open to God’s call. Here are biblical principles on being available to others, supported by Scripture.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being Used By Others
Serving Others with a Willing Heart
Jesus demonstrated a life of service, always making Himself available to those in need. He calls us to do the same, not out of obligation but from a heart filled with love. Serving others means putting aside our own desires and embracing the needs of those around us. When we make ourselves available, we reflect the heart of Christ and become a blessing to others.
Galatians 5:13
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Matthew 20:28
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
1 Peter 4:10
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Philippians 2:4
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Being Present in Times of Need
True availability means being there for others when they need us the most. Whether it’s through a listening ear, a comforting presence, or practical help, we reflect God’s love when we show up for people in difficult times. Jesus was always present for those who were hurting, and He calls us to do the same.
Romans 12:15
“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”
James 2:15-16
“Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
Listening with Compassion
One of the greatest ways to show availability is through listening. Many people feel unheard or unnoticed, but when we take time to listen with compassion, we show that they matter. Jesus often listened before He spoke, meeting people where they were and offering understanding.
James 1:19
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
Proverbs 18:13
“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”
Luke 10:39
“Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.”
Job 2:13
“Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”
Proverbs 19:20
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Being Generous with Our Time
Availability requires sacrifice, especially when it comes to our time. In a busy world, it’s easy to prioritize our own schedules, but God calls us to be generous with our time for others. When we give our time willingly, we show God’s love in action.
Colossians 3:23
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Ephesians 5:16
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Luke 10:33-34
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them.”
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”
Acts 20:35
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Making Things Right With Others
Encouraging and Strengthening Others
One way to be available to others is through encouragement. Life can be difficult, and many people need words of hope and strength to keep going. The Bible teaches us to build each other up, reminding one another of God’s faithfulness and love.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Proverbs 12:25
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”
Romans 15:2
“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”
Showing Hospitality and Kindness
Being available means opening our hearts and homes to others. Hospitality is a key part of Christian love, as it creates a welcoming space for people to feel valued and cared for. Jesus Himself showed kindness to all and encourages us to do the same.
Romans 12:13
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
Hebrews 13:2
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
1 Peter 4:9
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.”
Luke 6:35
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”
Praying for Others
One of the most powerful ways to be available for others is through prayer. Praying for someone invites God into their situation and demonstrates your care for them. Even when we can’t physically be present, we can still intercede for others in faith.
James 5:16
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
Philippians 1:3-4
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy.”
1 Timothy 2:1
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
Ephesians 6:18
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Being available to others is a reflection of God’s love in our lives. Whether through service, presence, listening, time, encouragement, hospitality, or prayer, we can be a light in the lives of those around us. As we seek to follow Jesus’ example, may we always be ready to serve and love others with open hearts.