Do Not Neglect to Do Good
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Hebrews 13:1-3, 15-16
1. Let brotherly love continue. 2. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body. 15. Through [Christ] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
I had some real-life, up-close and personal experience with these verses yesterday. And so did my walking buddy! We both asked for prayers that we continue to be strong in the Lord, and that God gives us wisdom to minister properly and effectively to those in need -- and to each other! In my current job, as I’ve shared before, I am usually the first contact -- the voice of the agency -- when someone calls seeking help and healing. And I see my job not only as the one who “matches up” the caller’s need with the appropriate counselor, but also to be first one who offers them hope and comfort.
Some days I feel almost oppressed by the wave of humanity that is so desperate for a way to find peace, happiness, wholeness in their lives. Issues ranging from mild situational depression to life-threatening addictions and other self-destructive behaviors. I find myself physically and emotionally exhausted some days when I arrive home. But spiritually, I find myself filled and fed beyond imagining! I am certainly not a trained counselor! I have no formal training at all. And so you might think it odd that I find myself drawn in to the lives of those who call. And at first I struggled for the words to respond to their pain. And I rely heavily upon my Stephen Ministry training to maintain boundaries, and to not assume the role of therapist! But I have learned that so often simply saying, with sincerity, “I’m sorry for your situation” is more than adequate. And I can tell sometimes that I am the first and only person who has told them that up to that point
I have a heart for people. I am both compassionate and passionate when I meet a person who is hurting. I’ve read countless books. I’ve spent hours and hours listening and observing others who have counseled those in need; and I’ve attended many seminars in the secular world on how to communicate effectively. All of those have been helpful in my current position but what has made the most difference, I think, is my Stephen Ministry training, That’s because the ministry approaches laity providing care from a Christ-centered perspective. That’s what Paul is talking about in Hebrews. I don’t know who is on the other end of the phone when it rings. But I know they are a child of God. I know that I have been led to that place in this time as God planned. (One day I’ll share that story in a discussion on obedience, stepping out in faith and allowing God to lead us where he wants us to go!)
We are all held prisoner by life sometimes. We need help breaking the chains of the bondage of sin and suffering. Jesus is the only way to break free. And we are to be the voice and hands and heart of Jesus to his (and our) brothers and sisters on this earth. Paul points out that we never know who God has placed in our path. We must use every opportunity to minister to God’s world--to his children. Because one of them could have their life changed by the interaction you have with them -- or at least their day! And sometimes we are truly the only Christ another sees or talks to. It is an honor and privilege to be a missionary in that way. Jesus showed us how it was to be done. Our task is to remember to keep going back to the well of the living word in the bible so that we are nourished and fortified to do Christ’s work in the world.
My prayer today is that you show hospitality to a stranger. And that you do so believing that every person crossing your path is an angel sent by God to fill your life with opportunities to share his love.
Mary
