Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Visitation of Virgin Mary to Elizabeth -
Encouraging One another
John Pazhayidathu
Long Island MTC, NY
The letter to
Hebrews was written to believers who were skeptical about their new found
faith. The writer was trying to sustain the community’s faith by establishing
the fact that Jesus’s death and resurrection was above their preconceived
notions of religion- they were no longer bound by the practices of the past.
Chapter 10:24-25 states that as believers we have to create a community
with one another in order to stir up love and good works. The book of Hebrews
is commonly known as the book of exhortations as the writer asks believers to
come together encouraging one another. As it is said, no man is an island;
fellowship with fellow believers fosters compassion, encouragement, and a
helping hand.
1.
Compassionate heart
The ability to have a compassionate heart is the quality of a true
believer. We cannot be idle at the face of pain and suffering. One of the
shortest but most powerful verses in the Bible, “Jesus wept”, illustrates the
compassion the Lord held for others. Likewise, we need to make a conscious
effort to break out of our comfort zone and offer compassion to those around
us. When the world looks first to tear someone down, a Christian’s first
response should be to exhort one another.
2.
Encouraging word.
Our words are very powerful; it can make or break lives. A common
theme in many successful people’s stories shows how an encouraging word helped
them make a turning point in their life. As believers we should never shy away
from giving an encouraging or comforting word to others.
3.
Helping hand
We have to share our recourses because these are gifts from God.
Whatever it is we have been blessed in excess with, whether it be talents,
physical abilities, money, etc, sharing these with others in need is also the
responsibility of a true believer.
We can see these qualities exemplified in the relationship between
Mary, mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth. When Mary went through a difficult time
she reached out to Elizabeth, perhaps the only person who would understand her.
Elizabeth’s compassionate heart and encouraging word comforted her and gave her
confidence to follow through on God’s plan for her. She was able to forget all
her worries and sang a song glorifying GOD. That is the power of fellowship.
Likewise, there are many people going through situations where compassion and
encouragement could turn a bad situation into one with grace. Let us not make
the mistake of passing judgment on them without understanding their situations.
Rather than making judgment upon them, we need to show them a
compassionate heart, speak to them comforting words and if necessary giving a
helping hand. We need to assure them, no matter what, we are with them.
PRAYER
Lord open our mind so
that we can consider one another with a compassionate heart, with words of
encouragement and a helping hand. Help us to show one another the beauty of
Christian fellowship. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar
on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not
be faint. Isaiah 40:31