I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34)
This past week I have received calls from many friends and family who are part of this community who are going through some exceedingly challenging times. I have some good friends who just found out they are going to be battling cancer. I have others that have been having sever health concerns and constantly looking for God’s healing hand to reach out to them. I have others that have just suffered from a death in their lives and overwhelmed by grief. As I write this reflection today, I want to share with you what it means to go live out the commandment of love with friends and family who are suffering.
I so often use to say the words, “You are in my thoughts and prayers” when I hear someone going through tough times. Although this statement was absolutely true, I often felt like it seemed very empty and offered little comfort and help. I wanted to take away their pain, suffering and offer true healing comfort and love. The question is how I can do that for those we love and call family.
In Galatians 6:2 it says, “Share each other’s troubles and problems and in this way, we obey the law of Christ.” We need to first listen and take time to show up and being there for one another. That means putting their needs before our very own. Picking up the phone; sending a text; showing up and knocking on a door shows that we value that individual and are willing to help. I know that I cannot take away the pain, but I can hold a hand and give a shoulder to cry on. I cannot cure their cancer, but I can let them know that I will walk the journey with them. I do not have all the answers, but I do have time to listen to them or sit quietly so they know they are not alone.
If you look throughout scripture Jesus showed us that showing up is what faithful friends do for one another. When someone was suffering, he was present. Again, just showing up and being in the room shows support and love. It shows that we are devoted to one another as a loving family. It also brings comfort and healing because they know they are not walking the journey alone.
The deepest form of fellowship Christ taught us can be described as “Koinonia.” It translates as a mutual sharing in fellowship that you form one heart. We know that what the real love of Christ was when he laid down His life for us. That was Jesus showing love as he embraced a cross so we could live. As we strive to live this deepest part of fellowship with one another, I pray that I always have the courage to show up for those who are in need.
I ask for your prayers for all our brothers and sisters who are suffering and going through some tough times right now. Let us all have the willingness to join them in their time of suffering and offer them the love that Christ commands us to give. Being present they know they are never alone.