Today’s
readings:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any
trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
The
best ministries that I have seen in all of the churches that I have served,
have always been those connected to compassion and comfort. Apart from
worshipping God and bringing people to Christ, I think that these ministries
are very important to a church’s effective witness to the community where it
resides. How we apply what we are taught is a valuable way of encouraging
others to experience God’s love. What we do in the eyes of the wider community
is always more important than what we dictate.
Congregations that have this
compassionate capacity are great at being supportive to their extended church
families and friends. I am constantly amazed and humbled at the goodness of
ordinary people doing extraordinary deeds in times of illness, grief, and
stress. They do this because they care; and they care because God has helped
and comforted them. It’s a beautiful way of showing Christ’s compassion; it’s a
wonderful method of sharing God’s presence.
If you get the opportunity to be a
channel of encouragement, care, and support today, take it and help someone
else. Your compassionate words and comforting presence may be the very things
that they need to hear and feel right now. Your Christian love and sincere
support may be the conduit of God’s comfort in the midst of their troubles.
Questions
for personal reflection
Is there someone that I know who
is undergoing some trouble today? Am I willing to support and help that
someone?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You showed compassion and comfort all
throughout Your ministry on Earth. Help us, as Your followers, to give the same
kind of help and support to those with troubles today. In Your Holy Name, we
pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If
you would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message,
please send him an email to: traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is John’s latest Communion drawing called “Sunrise, Sunset.” If you would
like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/10322159433_2f6342e432_b.jpg
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