My father passed away in February. And I learned many things through that process but one thing stood out. My friends all sent a touch. Some sent cards. Some sent texts. Some met me for lunch. Some called to chat. All of them "showed up" when I needed them. Some thought my mother had passed away and some were hesitant and some were awkward and some had never experienced the death of someone they loved, and none of them knew my father. But none of that mattered to me. What mattered to me was that they showed up and showed me that they cared. What a tremendous blessing to have friends who care.
Paul sent a fellow named Tychicus, whom he called a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord to the church in Ephesus when he couldn't go himself (Ephesians 6:21-24). His mission: "I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts." Paul, at this moment, is chained between two Roman guards. He has a sense that he won't leave Rome again. And he has been praying for the works God established through his ministry. Can you see in your mind this fatherly pastor, battle weary, chained, and desiring to shepherd his little flock he left in Ephesus, and so wanting to bless them? So what does he do? He sends someone he trusts to go and encourage the church. He pours out his love and concerns and passion for their growth as a body of believers in a letter. He finds a way to show up even though its difficult, even though it seems impossible. He sends them the letter we read as the book of Ephesians. Oh my! He shows up and demonstrates his love for them in such a powerful way that it is never forgotten and has gone on to encourage many, many generations of believers. Can you see this? Wow!
So my friends, I was helped and encouraged by my friends acts of love toward me. I gained strength and help from them. I gained permission to grieve from one, I gained encouragement from another, I found sympathy from one that spoke to my heart, and I received, more than anything, the knowledge that I was part of a beautiful body of Christ and He showed up over and over again in the care of my friends.
So if you ever wonder, "Should I say something? What can I do? How do I help someone I know when I have never been through what they are going through?" Don't let those thoughts hinder you. Be a friend who cares. Just a little gesture goes a long way when someone is going through a trial. Don't worry about "doing it right" and don't worry if your feel awkward or it doesn't come easy. Just show up!
And when you are struggling with a trial, don't hide. Let those you know in. Ask them for help if you need it. We are more than conquerors in Christ but we can't do it alone. We need each other. And then if your friend doesn't live up to all your expectations, remember how little that really matters. It is their love and affection so warmly offered that matters.
Paul sent a fellow named Tychicus, whom he called a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord to the church in Ephesus when he couldn't go himself (Ephesians 6:21-24). His mission: "I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts." Paul, at this moment, is chained between two Roman guards. He has a sense that he won't leave Rome again. And he has been praying for the works God established through his ministry. Can you see in your mind this fatherly pastor, battle weary, chained, and desiring to shepherd his little flock he left in Ephesus, and so wanting to bless them? So what does he do? He sends someone he trusts to go and encourage the church. He pours out his love and concerns and passion for their growth as a body of believers in a letter. He finds a way to show up even though its difficult, even though it seems impossible. He sends them the letter we read as the book of Ephesians. Oh my! He shows up and demonstrates his love for them in such a powerful way that it is never forgotten and has gone on to encourage many, many generations of believers. Can you see this? Wow!
So my friends, I was helped and encouraged by my friends acts of love toward me. I gained strength and help from them. I gained permission to grieve from one, I gained encouragement from another, I found sympathy from one that spoke to my heart, and I received, more than anything, the knowledge that I was part of a beautiful body of Christ and He showed up over and over again in the care of my friends.
So if you ever wonder, "Should I say something? What can I do? How do I help someone I know when I have never been through what they are going through?" Don't let those thoughts hinder you. Be a friend who cares. Just a little gesture goes a long way when someone is going through a trial. Don't worry about "doing it right" and don't worry if your feel awkward or it doesn't come easy. Just show up!
And when you are struggling with a trial, don't hide. Let those you know in. Ask them for help if you need it. We are more than conquerors in Christ but we can't do it alone. We need each other. And then if your friend doesn't live up to all your expectations, remember how little that really matters. It is their love and affection so warmly offered that matters.
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