| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Christian community” Our Bible verse for today: “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 Our thought for today: “This is an important part of Christian community” An important part of Christian community is helping and comforting each other when we are struggling or suffering. As Paul notes in 2 Corinthians 1:4, God comforts us, and then He wants us to comfort each other. That lesson has been brought home to me in a powerful and personal way over the last couple of days. On Sunday afternoon I was walking one of our dogs – a cute and cuddly little eight-pound Maltipoo. Melody was friendly, affectionate, and very good-natured. Sadly, as we were walking, we were attacked by a large and aggressive pit bull that had gotten lose from a neighbor’s house. Long story short, it killed my dog and injured me. Anyone who is a dog lover, especially of a cuddly little lap dog, knows how much a part of your life and of your family they become. Therefore, losing one to death can feel like losing a family member. Linda and I loved Melody very much and we are grieving her loss. But we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we have received from our church family and from neighbors. Many people have told us about the pain and grief they went through when they lost a pet of their own and how they could therefore relate to what we are feeling now. Empathy is a term that describes an ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing. It allows us to enter into someone else’s suffering with them, and to help them bear that burden. This is what Paul was referring to in 2 Corinthians 1:4. Having suffered yourself, and having been comforted when you were, makes you better able to be there for others when they are suffering. One of the most important and helpful benefits to being part of a strong and loving Christian community is having people who care deeply about you and who make it a point to be there for you when you need them most. If you aren’t part of such a community of believers then you’re missing out on one of the best parts of the Christian experience. God ministers to us in our times of sorrow and sadness through our brothers and sisters. I encourage you not to miss this. The time will come when you will need it. If you don’t have a good church family already, I encourage you to visit us at Oak Hill Baptist. You’ll find yourself to be very welcome. God Bless, Pastor Jim (Join us at Oak Hill Baptist every Sunday at 10:00. Join us in-person if you are close-by or, if you are geographically distant or if you are a shut-in, join us online at www.YouTube.com/oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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Amen. Good word. Thanks for sharing. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious pet. How horrible for you to have to witness.
Thanks, Donna
Words cannot express our sorrow that this happened. May the Lord’s comfort be with you and Linda thru this time.
Thank you, Jo.