Wednesday’s sermon has weighed heavily on my mind today. My pastor preached, “Reach Out and Touch Someone.” We are to be our brother’s keeper, to be a friend to someone who needs our encouragement.

I know there have been times I have unknowingly passed by someone who was hurting, grieving, depressed or oppressed, probably because I was too absorbed in my own problems. I’m human, right? I pray that from now on I am sensitive to what others may be going through. Who knows the torment or abuse that someone may be living in. It’s important as a Christian that I develop eyes that see the good in people, ears that are quick to just listen and not judge, hands that give, a heart that loves others unconditionally, and feet that go where Jesus leads me.

My heart is burdened for the people who are in trials right now. We all have our crosses to bear alone, but it’s less lonely if we reach out and touch someone in their plight. I’m afraid that sometimes we’re too quick to write someone off, when they’re just one prayer away from getting their miracle. Could that one prayer of deliverance come from me, through that one prayer God laid on my heart? I want to have a burden for that one lost sheep who has gone astray, the one struggling in their failures and can’t seem to get the victory. I want my prayers to count, my cries to reach the throne of God. And for once, I don’t want to be selfish with my own struggles, but keep my brothers and sisters covered in prayer. Lord, help me to reach out and touch someone with a kind word, give to the homeless, care for the weak. In Jesus Name.

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.(Galatians 6:1-3 MSG) 

Copyright © 2018 Renee Greene All Rights Reserved

(November 21, 2014)