helping others

DEAR GOD: Touch Me And I Shall Be Healed~

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Jesus Heals | Healing Service | 05 February 2021 - YouTube

  “And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.” (Luke 5:13 KJV)

Application to Today vs. Biblical Times

In biblical times, leprosy was a dreaded disease that led to both physical suffering and social ostracism. Lepers were often isolated from their communities, living in colonies away from healthy individuals. Jesus’ act of touching a leper was radical—not only did He heal the man physically, but He also restored his dignity and social status. This act demonstrated that God’s love and healing power are available to all, regardless of their condition.

Today, while we may not encounter leprosy in the same form, we deal with various kinds of “leprosy” such as chronic illness, mental health struggles, social isolation, and more. Jesus’ willingness to touch and heal the untouchable invites us to extend our hands in compassion and love to those around us, breaking barriers and offering hope and healing.

Incorporating Faith in Jesus into Our Lives Now

  1. Compassion and Empathy: Just as Jesus showed compassion by touching and healing the leper, we are called to empathize with others’ struggles and offer our support and kindness.
    • Supportive Scripture: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”
      (1 Peter 3:8 KJV)
  2. Faith in Healing: Jesus’ healing was immediate and complete, reinforcing our faith in His power to heal us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
    • Supportive Scripture: “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:15 KJV)
  3. Breaking Social Barriers: Jesus crossed societal boundaries to heal and show love. We are encouraged to do the same, reaching out to those who are marginalized or different from us.
    • Supportive Scripture: “For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11 KJV)

Reflective Questions

  • How can I show compassion and empathy to those who are marginalized or struggling in my community?
  • In what ways can I strengthen my faith in Jesus’ power to heal, both physically and emotionally?
  • Am I willing to break social barriers to reach out to others as Jesus did? How can I actively work towards this?

Moral Views: Analysis of Faith and Love of Christ

The act of Jesus touching the leper is a profound testament to His boundless love and the transformative power of faith. It challenges us to examine our own lives and interactions. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to touch the lives of those in need? Faith in Jesus requires us to act with love, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.

Christ’s love is unconditional and knows no bounds. His actions teach us that true love and faith go hand in hand. Faith without love is hollow, and love without faith lacks the deeper spiritual connection that brings about true healing and transformation.

 “LORD-We come before You with hearts full and thank You for Your boundless love and mercy. We thank You for the example of Jesus, who showed us how to love unconditionally and reach out with compassion to those in need. Lord, we ask for Your strength and guidance to emulate this love in our own lives. Help us to break down barriers, show empathy, and extend a helping hand to those who are marginalized and suffering. Increase our faith, that we may trust in Your healing power for all our ailments—physical, emotional, and spiritual. May Your love flow through us, touching the lives of those around us, bringing comfort, healing, and hope. Help us to see everyone through Your eyes, with compassion and grace. Let our actions be a reflection of Your love, and may we always seek to do Your will. In the name of Jesus, our Healer and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture for Reflection

“And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.“ (Luke 5:13 KJV)

Blessing for Readers

May the love of Christ fill your hearts with compassion and empathy. May His healing touch be upon you, bringing peace and restoration. And may you be inspired to reach out to others, breaking down barriers and sharing His love abundantly. Amen.

I hope this reflection and prayer bring you comfort and inspiration.

May God Bless You All~

 

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DEAR GOD: May I Be An Encourager All The Days Of My Life~

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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you ...

Barnabas: The Faithful Companion & Encourager

In the early days of the Christian church, there was a man named Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement.” Barnabas was known for his unwavering support and encouragement, especially to Paul, the apostle. When Paul, formerly known as Saul, converted to Christianity, many were skeptical of his transformation. But Barnabas saw the potential in Paul and stood by him, vouching for his sincerity and helping him integrate into the community of believers.

Barnabas and Paul traveled together, spreading the message of Christ. They faced numerous challenges, from hostile crowds to harsh environments, but Barnabas remained a steadfast companion. His encouragement was not just in words but in actions, as he shared in the hardships and joys of their mission.

Being an Encourager and Helper Today

In today’s world, being an encourager and helper like Barnabas means recognizing the potential in others and supporting them through their journeys. It involves offering a listening ear, a kind word, and practical assistance. Encouragers uplift those around them, helping them to see their worth and capabilities.

Moral Takeaways

  1. See the Potential in Others: Just as Barnabas saw the potential in Paul, we should strive to see the best in those around us.
  2. Stand by Others in Difficult Times: True encouragement involves standing by others, even when it’s challenging.
  3. Encouragement in Action: Words are powerful, but actions often speak louder. Show your support through deeds.

Meditative Thoughts

  • Reflect on a time when someone encouraged you. How did it impact your life?
  • Consider how you can be a Barnabas to someone in your life today.
  • Think about the ways you can offer practical help to those in need.

Reflective Questions

  1. Who in your life needs encouragement right now?
  2. How can you offer support to someone facing a difficult situation?
  3. What actions can you take to show someone that you believe in them?

Supportive Scripture (ESV)

  • Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
  • Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Unified Prayer

“Dear LORD -we thank You for the example of Barnabas, the son of encouragement. Help us to be like him, seeing the potential in others and standing by them in their times of need. Give us the strength to offer both words and actions of encouragement, uplifting those around us. May we be instruments of Your love and grace, bearing one another’s burdens and building each other up. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Takeaway Thought

Being an encourager and helper is a powerful way to reflect God’s love in the world. By seeing the potential in others, standing by them in difficult times, and offering practical support, we can make a significant impact on their lives and our communities. Let’s strive to be like Barnabas, the faithful companion, and bring encouragement to those around us.

 

DEAR GOD: Teach Us Your Way Of Loving Others~

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Loving Kindness Isaiah 54:10 – Encouraging Bible Verses

The Virtue of Neighborly Kindness

In a world where individualism often takes precedence, the Bible calls us to embrace a different ethos—one of kindness and compassion towards our neighbors. This post explores the biblical injunction to be kind and loving to our neighbors.

The Commandment of Love

The cornerstone of neighborly kindness is found in Leviticus 19:18, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” This commandment is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus declares it the second greatest commandment, inseparable from the first, which is to love God with all one’s heart (Matthew 22:39).

The Good Samaritan

Jesus further illustrates this principle in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A man, stripped of his possessions and left for dead, is ignored by his own countrymen. Yet, a Samaritan, considered an outsider, shows compassion and cares for him. This story teaches us that neighborly kindness transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries and is something that we all should put into place and ascribe to, not just read it, but do it.

The Early Church

The early church modeled this kindness in their communal living, as described in Acts 2:44-45: “All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” This radical generosity was a tangible expression of their love for their neighbors.

The Epistles

The epistles are replete with exhortations to kindness. Ephesians 4:32 urges, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This verse not only commands kindness but also links it to forgiveness, another facet of neighborly love.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Kindness is also listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. As believers walk in the Spirit, they exhibit kindness, among other virtues, as a natural outgrowth of their faith.

Moral Insight

The moral imperative to be kind to our neighbors is clear: it is a reflection of God’s love for us and an essential part of living a life that honors Him. When we show kindness, we become conduits of God’s Grace, and our actions can have a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same. It catapults others into reflections of Christ in doing such actions, and offering kindness where we may. It is a call to be spiritually inclined instead of flesh motivated.  It is a call to walk in the commandments of Christ and His love for others, as He commanded us to do in John 13:34 -“a new commandment I give to you that you love others as I have loved you…”

  •  How can I show kindness to someone from a different background or belief system?
  • What are practical ways I can demonstrate generosity to those in need in my community?
  • In what areas of my life do I struggle to show kindness, and how can I ask God to help me in those areas?

“Dear Lord of all kindness, we pray that You instill in us a heart of compassion for our neighbors. May we see them through Your eyes, love them with Your love, and serve them with the humility of Christ. Help us to embody the kindness that You have shown us, that our lives may be a testament to Your unending grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

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In conclusion- Being kind to our neighbors is not merely a suggestion; it is a Biblical mandate that reflects the heart of God. It requires intentionality, sacrifice, and a willingness to see beyond ourselves. As we practice this virtue, we not only enrich the lives of those around us but also grow in our own spiritual journey.