Be Like Han But Don’t Be Like Han

What would you do for a friend? Would you go out in the freezing cold and look for them? Even if it meant you might die?

In Empire Strikes Back, this is exactly what our favorite scoundrel Han did. He literally saved Luke’s life by taking a Tauntaun out into Hoth’s bitter cold.

For most of us, we will never be put into that situation. But will we put ourselves out there to help?

Be Like Han

Since I work for myself and love to drive. Recently, my friend Liz asked me to fly to Mississippi, pack up and drive a 26′ Penske truck back to Maryland since she was moving her widower father to her house.

Upon arriving at the airport, my wife texted me funeral details for the mother of one of my best friends. It would be Saturday near Atlanta. A quick check of the map and I knew I could make it.

While I was in the airport checking in on Facebook, I got a text from my friend Trey asking if I saw his Mom. She was on the same flight. I found her and was asked by the airline employee if I’d like to help Rachel board the plane. Since I had a B36 boarding number,
I jumped at the chance. I was able to get a seat in the second row.

I was delighted that I could help three friends during this trip. Amazing how God works things out.

I don’t say this to brag but to illustrate how simply, if not easy, it is to help people out.

Don’t Be Like Han

Unlike Han Solo who says to Luke “That’s two you owe me, junior,” I won’t be keeping track of how many times I help my friends.

Why? One reason is that they have helped me out countless times already.

Friends help friends.

Jesus tells us 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.”

And we know from 1 Corinthians 13 what love is.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.

If you don’t work for yourself or the idea of driving 1300 miles is not your idea of fun, there are plenty of other ways we can show love to one another.

Practical Application

Here are some practical ways we can do this

1. There’s no time like the present to say “I love you.” Tell someone today, right now.
2. Leave someone an unexpected thank you note or note of encouragement.
3. Admit when you are wrong (without being prompted).
4. Be a person of your word and do what you say you’re going to do.
5. Be generous with compliments and slow to criticize.
6. Treat a friend to a movie, coffee, an ice cream, lunch, etc.
7. Hold onto a hug one moment longer than expected.
8. When someone is on your mind, call them or send them a text, email, or message letting them know.
9. Before you go to bed, tell your spouse and kids how much you love them every night.
10. Pray with someone (right then and there when you say “I’ll prayer for you, why don’t we do it now as well.)
11. Be comfortable in the silence, sometimes people just need company.
12. Invite someone to work-out together.
13. Say “Thank you.”
14. Go for a walk together and leave technology at home (no phones, iPods, etc.).
15. As best as you can, leave work at work.
16. Call or text if you are running late.
17. Spend time watching home videos or look through family photo albums together.
18. Compliment your spouse and children in front of others.
19. When your spouse or children come home stop what you are doing and greet them.
20. Cry together.