What role do you play in the lives of your family and friends? I met with a senior saint and friend named Rex a while ago and have been meaning to catch up again, but had a lot of excuses as to why I wasn’t able to reconnect until recently. I have been busy at work and home, and have had a series of illness on and off over the past 6 months and though they were not to the level of a Covid pandemic, I didn’t want my friends to get sick if they didn’t have to. Anyway, I recently felt compelled to call him, which I did this past weekend. We talked briefly on the phone and he told me he was in Hospice, so I made plans to visit him the next day. We got together in the evening and had a chance to sit and visit for an hour and pray together. We shared stories and encouraged one another in our faith journeys and prayed for one another as well. As we get older, the days and years seem to go by faster and opportunities like this don’t happen as often as I would like. I’ve sat with dying friends and family before and it reminds me to have meaningful conversations with others more frequently than I often do. Are there any people in your life that would benefit today from time spent encouraging one another or trying to mend old wounds?
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
We seem to take for granted those around us that we see every day, our family, our co-workers, our local friends. Its only when we are confronted with a change in that normalcy, that we feel compelled to say something that may need to be said about how much we love them or appreciate their friendship. Some of us may never share those feelings we have toward others and hold them within in some sort of stoic selfishness. Its not always easy to find the words to say what we are thinking or feeling, but the attempt is half the battle. We should tell others about the hope we have in Jesus and that sharing that with them is a way of loving them. They may not respond immediately, but they will often see how much you care through what you share. Make those attempts each day and you will be rewarded for doing so.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:8-10
Yours in Christ,
Clark
