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‘To be or not to be’ is one of Shakespeare’s more memorable quotes. The setting that prompted Hamlet to ask was unique to him; however, it’s a question that can fit in several areas of our lives. For faith-based people, for example, there are places and environments we need to be, and some we don’t need to be. To keep this positive, here are 4 Need to Be’s.
BE A CAREGIVER – Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Regardless of our occupations or career paths, we should have a broad view of responsibility as caregivers. Certainly, this begins at home, but we can care for others outside the home in various ways. Simply smiling and asking how someone is doing goes a long way. Offering to help someone is giving care. (A word of caution: don’t ask to help if you aren’t willing.)
BE AN ENCOURAGER – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
In letters to churches in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul spoke of encouragement 10 times! In our advanced culture, we have a variety of ways to provide encouragement: calling; emails; texting; and old-fashioned methods like writing, visiting and speaking. Any can be effective. A co-worker once said that a pat on the back could keep him going for weeks!
BE A LISTENER – James 1:9 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Listening is difficult to master because many of us want to talk rather than listen. Yet, by listening we can often learn more about someone than we thought possible; we can also learn a lot about ourselves. Listening is an excellent form of caregiving and encouraging.
BE A FORGIVER – Colossians 3:13 “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Some people labor under the weight of unforgiveness. They can’t forgive themselves, so they can’t imagine how God can forgive them; then they struggle to forgive others. One way we can be what God wants us to be is to ease the pain of others and forgive them. I’m sure I’ve shared this before, but it’s so very good:
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded of a vicious deed someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never heard of the incident. She was asked, “Don’t you remember it?” Barton replied, “No, I distinctly remember forgetting it.”
To be or not to be what we need to be is a choice. Pray that we all choose wisely! And remember – you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (8/17/2026)
