Remember a great event in your life? Did you keep it a secret or did you run out and share it with somebody? Everything from trips to funny events move us to share them with friends, colleagues and family. Why do we do this? As personal beings, we attach ourselves to others and gain enjoyment, strength, compassion and understanding from those individuals. This is part of God's design for man. God intends for people in relationships to provide strength and support for others in that relationship. The scriptures share abilities that friends can have towards others.
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (Philippians 2:1)
Consolation is much needed today. A great way to receive it is from another person. The word for compassion comes from two root words meaning "near" and "to call". The action of calling a person near to you is so that they can gain needed strength from the support you offer.
Imagine a child falling down and scraping his knee. His mother calls him to herself and then embraces him in her arms. The pain sensors in his leg continue to work just as before, but the drawing near to his mother helps alleviate the pain. This type of aid is also true for emotional pain as well. I remember when my wife lost her father. She maintained her composure quite well until the graveside. After the trumpet played taps and a flag was presented to the family, she broke down. When she was unable to stand and emotionally distraught, I reached out to her and held her closely. The drawing near and providing support brought the strength that she needed.
This is what is needed in the church today. There are many people who are hurting and falling. Instead of reaching out to these individuals and attempting to draw near to them, the church watches them falter. It seems that the only people getting support are those who are the active members of the church. What is sad is that those who do not have a fellowship bond with others in the church are left to stand on their own. It is no wonder that people fall away from God. Their falling may be due in part to them not having the intended support from others that God had planned.
Supporting people who struggle is not a glorious event. It can be very discouraging because those you care to help may still resist the help that God brings. But it is not about you and me or making us feel good. It is about helping the fallen. Look around in your life. Think of the people that you can draw near to and provide comfort. The next time you see them reach out and make a difference in their lives.
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