How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. (George Washington Carver, 19th century American botanist and inventor)

That sounds like very sound advice, encouraging us to be less self-centered and more aware of the needs of those around us. The most gripping idea, however, is what Carver went on to say, “Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” It reminds us again that we should be alert and open to others and the stage of life where they might need our help.

And we urge you . . . [to] help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14). God . . . will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them (Hebrews 6:10).