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With so many people struggling and having a hard time around us, we are to
remember to be there for them letting them know that everything will be
all right. We should always take the initiative and be comforting towards
those who are down or discouraged. We as God's stewards must comfort the
brokenhearted and be their shoulder to lean upon. The Bible declares in 1
Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another...”
The word edify means to build up. We are told to comfort one another and
build others up so that they might believe in themselves again and know how
valuable they really are. It is easy for anyone to turn their head and
ignore the hardships of others, but as true believers in Christ we are
called to lift up, to strengthen, to encourage, to love others and to
esteem them higher than we esteem ourselves. (James 1:27) (Philippians 2:3-7)
Just as we would have someone to comfort us in our time of trouble, we
should be quick to offer that same love and compassion to those in need
around us. We are to comfort them with our words and with our actions.
Giving an encouraging word can do so much to reaffirm their belief in
themselves and show them that life is worth living and their life means so
much to so many people including ourselves. Be encouraged to be that rock
that others can lean upon. Give an encouraging word, do a kind deed, treat
others the way you would like to be treated and do for them what they can't
do for themselves right now. By being a comforter, we are following
Christ's example of loving others and showing them the love of God that
dwells within our hearts.
I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to bless others
in their time of need and be there for them to encourage them, lift them
up and show them how much you care.
FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS
Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to find the right words?
It was once said that Al Smith, former governor of New York, was making
his first inspection of Sing Sing prison. The warden asked him if he might
say a few words to the prisoners.
The governor began, “My fellow citizens.” But he suddenly felt confused
about whether the inmates may have forfeited their citizenship. So he took
a second stab at it: “My fellow convicts.” There was a roar of laughter
and now he became flustered. He gallantly tried a third time: “Well,
anyhow, I'm glad to see so many of you here.” There is no record of what
he said after that.
I have frequently struggled to find the right words. And there are times I
am certain the right words do not even exist. Like when I'm trying to say
something hopeful or comforting in a particularly frightening situation.
More than once I have been called to a hospital emergency room or to be
with a family surrounding the bed of a dying relative. And more than once
I've been at a loss for words. What is the right thing to say at a time
like that? What can I say that doesn't sound hollow or trite or like I'm
just not in touch with the feelings of others who are hurting?
A lot of us really don't know what to say at these times. And too often
the professionals who work daily with people on the ragged edge of hope
have become so desensitized they have lost any ability to comfort.
A wise obstetrician at a university teaching hospital once made a comment
about comforting those who suffer. Someone asked the doctor what advice he
offered his students, future doctors and nurses, when caring for mothers
who gave birth to stillborn infants.
The doctor paused for a moment in thought. Then he said this: “I tell them
that they need two eyes. One eye is not enough; they need two eyes. With
one eye they have to check the I.V. And with the other eye they have to
weep. That's what I tell them,” he said. “I tell them that they need two
eyes.”
That may be some of the wisest advice I've ever heard. We may not always
need to figure out what to say; we really only need two eyes. In Emily
Dickinson's words, “Saying nothing . . . sometimes says the most.” And
this from a poet whose life was all about finding exactly the right words.
I agree with the doctor - empathy goes a long way. And somehow finding the
ability to feel, even for a few moments, what another is feeling may speak
more loudly than the best words I can choose. It speaks to the fact that I
care; I understand. It says that I am willing to share their pain so they
do not feel so alone. It says I want to be fully present with them and to
walk alongside of them, difficult as it may be. My presence is something
they can draw real strength and hope from.
Come to think of it, maybe Dickinson did find the right words: saying
nothing . . . sometimes says the most. And saying nothing at all may be
just the right thing to say.
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Ephesians 4:29-32 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and
anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all
malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Galatians 6:2-4 “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of
Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he
deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall
he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
Romans 15:1-4 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the
weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour
for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as
it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me. For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem84.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: HE WANTED ME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony88.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
