The Bible, indeed, says whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me (read Matthew 25: 35-40).

How true, and how honourable it is to give or help someone out!

But have you ever thought about the flipside?

As we recently shared at my church during a night service, someone mentioned - rightly - that sometimes we don't pause to ask God for direction before dishing out 'help' and in the process cause spiritual stunting among those we constantly help without proper guidance.

Each of us has a spiritual journey we have to make at one point or the other, on our own. God purposed it that way that certain situations we encounter on our path of salvation leave us stronger spiritually and with enviable spiritual muscle.

But picture this: Every time you encounter this brother struggling through the wilderness, you are quick to pick them up and give them a ride and shelter from the desert's heat.

A good Samaritan indeed, but do you ever pause to think that maybe that stretch was intended by God to improve the believer and follower in them?

I had never quite looked at it that way, because I am one of those people who cannot bear to see others struggling if there is anything I can do. But I have now learnt to inquire of the Lord first.

Don't get me wrong; it is not bad to help people. It is amazing and very satisfying for the giver. Just make sure you don't 'sabotage' God's plan for this person, in the process.

I read somewhere that if a caterpillar is making that final transformation into a butterfly, it is the most gut-wrenching process to watch.

Yet it is that process that makes beautiful butterflies; if one had mercy and helped the butterfly break free from that cocoon, it would fly alright, but die after a few minutes, because the process was never completed.

Or google about snakes in the process of shedding old skin; the reptile can reportedly die if interrupted in that process.

Similarly, many people do need our help and intervention; yet many more are simply in cocoons from which they are expected to free themselves as a refining and purifying process. Pray that you don't interrupt that process.

Some people refuse to seek God the way He wants them to, because this brother or the other sister provides. Don't stop helping; just be more careful.