Stepping Up

The Bible says that all things are to be done decently and in order, which means that all things are to be done. Sometimes there may be no expert available, and our own availability is the greatest gift we can give to others.

The emphasis upon “Spiritual Gifts” in previous years may have caused some of the saints to be discouraged because they didn’t have this or that gift. And while it is a beautiful thing to watch a gifted person ply his/her trade or ability, it’s just as beautiful for those of us who may not be as gifted to step up and do what is necessary, merely out of love.

For example, I’ve heard people refuse to go to the hospital to visit someone because “I don’t like hospitals,” or “I don’t do well in hospitals.” The same thing with nursing homes and rehab centers. I suppose they assume that those of us who do visit such places have a sort of immunity to the shocking things you see there, and the incredible frailty of humanity on display!

We may forget what a simple card or note can mean to someone, or a touch, even though we may not have “the gift of encouragement.” We may forget what a meal can mean to a family in distress, even though we may not be the best chef in town.

So, while experts are important, and we should do what we can to cultivate and encourage the gifted around us, sometimes we just roll up our sleeves and do the task before us

“Are you saying, ‘It’s the thought that counts?'”
No, I’m saying, “It’s the love that counts.”

The Good Samaritan may not have been a doctor, but he knew enough first aid to save a life and get the wounded traveler the help he needed. We can do the same for the emotionally and spiritually wounded neighbors around us.

“If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and knowledge, but have not love, I am nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:2


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