Category: Sympathy

“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13).

The text mirrors Isaiah 35:3 and Proverbs 4:26. The idea is one of discouragement and weakness through exhaustion. The proper response to persecution and distress is to exult in the growth it brings — “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (vs. 11). But, as the writer states, “no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful…” (vs. 11).

We see another in a weakened state, and our love demands a response. It is possible for me to give my brother in Christ encouragement. I can help him to rest, and regroup, thereby strengthening him. I can, and must help! “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Those who are handicapped (lame) have many challenges. We reserve parking spaces for them near entrances. We build gentle ramps with rails to assist them from one level to another. We supply crutches, splints, braces, walkers and wheel chairs to enable them opportunity where otherwise they would be shut out.

It is so important to supply the spiritually exhausted the same benefits. We have a responsibility to help them, to make their paths as unencumbered as possible to that they will not falter. We need to love. We need to help.

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The apostle Paul’s life had a striking bifurcation. The event which marked the change is narrated by Luke in Acts 9. On that occasion he left Jerusalem to go to Damascus. On the road he met the Lord.

Prior to that meeting Paul, whose Hebrew name was Saul, was a devoted Pharisee. He described himself in the following way. “If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).

Continue reading “Paul’s Bifurcated Life” →

The last several weeks have been pretty hectic in our congregation. May is the month for graduations, and we have had our share with graduations from high school, college, law school, etc. both members, and family members of those who are members at West Side.

In this same period some have been grieving the loss of loved ones, and others are feeling the ravages of disease and sickness. Weddings, funerals, moves, trips, pregnancies, the list is long and the effect is a bit unsettling. Even good times can be a bit disruptive or at least distracting.

Two things to remember:

1. The importance of empathy among the brethren. Among other admonitions to the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another” (Romans 12:15-16a).
2. The importance of keeping our priorities in the right place. As we live day by day we can become distracted with the common events of a busy life. Let us remember why we are here! “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

AOTS Number 63

God is ultimately the source of all strength. However, we as His children can strengthen others through sympathetic practices.

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