Damaged goods. That’s how we try to explain our foibles and faults, as if we are simply products of our own circumstances.

Plants have a way of teaching us life lessons, and recovering from injuries is no exception. To be sure, it is not a good idea to allow bad circumstances, i.e., poor watering, injury, disease, pests etc. to ravage a plant and then expect a beautiful flower or bountiful harvest. Similarly, we don’t abuse children to “toughen them up.”

It is nothing short of amazing to see people whom we admire reveal that they were raised in less than an ideal climate.

Some of the true spiritual giants have suffered unusually hard times and have come out to be strong, empathetic, and amazingly productive people.

In fact, lately I wonder if it is because of these troubles, and not in spite of them, that some people become such tremendous Christian examples.

Two of my favorite trees have suffered from my negligent care and have come out amazingly well. The Kwanzan Cherry that had a rope embedded around the top of its trunk is now a showstopper in April. The parts that died from the wound have left a little “shelf” where the limbs grow. It’s a handy place to get up into when stringing the lights that look so pretty all year long, casting a soft ambience on the patio.

Then there is George Burns, the curly willow tree. He got his name because a careless yard boy made a small fire of garden trash near him, and he got a little singed from the flames. He’s still gorgeous. Even the scars where we lopped off some limbs seem to give him “character.” Sure, we should have pruned him before the extra branches got four inches wide, but sometimes things get put off too long in any garden. Bad stuff happens.

It happens to the best of us. Well…maybe that’s why some of the best seem to have had a rough past. They allowed those trials to make them better people.

It seems that those who are the kindest and most understanding have gone through things that cause them to avoid letting others suffer those experiences. They understand the emotions and struggles of others, because they have been there.

There is a difference between sympathy and empathy.

Sympathy is a “shared feeling,” or “agreement in feeling.”

Empathy, on the other hand, is defined as “the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.”

Empathy is more invested. Sympathy “feels,” but empathy “identifies.” We feel more deeply, as if we were going through the same trials as the person with whom we are empathetic.

There are several patches of creeping phlox throughout the garden, but when this low-growing perennial is trampled on, it dies. This happened to the largest piece of it a few years ago. As if feeling sorry for the middle, the edges also wilted for a while. After replanting the pieces, they did bounce back; then they each grew large and beautiful.

One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is also the shortest. It might indicate how Jesus took on the feelings of those around Him. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried” (Isaiah 53:4a).

When we go through tough times, it may just be the way to become more empathetic, more caring, and more in tune with the needs of others. We can let these trials make us better tools in God’s toolbox!

On the other hand, we could become “damaged goods.” Which will we choose?

Christine (Tina) Berglund

I was driving my husband’s recently purchased pick-up truck through a veritable monsoon between Jacksonville, Florida and Columbus, Georgia. I stopped at a McDonald’s in a little town called Dawson, Georgia. The pickings were slim and I needed three things: a fish sandwich, a restroom, and a safe parking lot where I could put my seat back and sleep for fifteen minutes. But when I tried to start the truck after that little nap, the starter wouldn’t even turn over. I had left the headlights on and my battery was dead.

My husband was in Texas that day recording some material for World Video Bible School, but I caught him via phone just before he began taping. He said my plan to cross that highway on foot and go in that O’Reilly’s and ask them to come and test the battery was a good plan. So I did. The bad news was that they did not have enough employees to spare one for my battery check. I had to turn right back around and cross that highway again, to no avail. “We’ll send somebody over when our courier gets back in a little while.”

So, of course, I crossed back over and did that thing that never helps very much….I worried. Once I got to Columbus, I still had to load and cover some furniture items with a tarp and then make the last leg of my trip back to Huntsville, Alabama before I could sleep that night. It was afternoon already. (…And I really needed to play with the grandchildren in Columbus for a few minutes, too!)

I went inside the McDonald’s. Two old codgers sat there chewing the fat over their afternoon cups of coffee. I thought it might be worth trying, so I said “You don’t have a pair of jumper cables, do you? I left my lights on and I can’t get the auto parts folks to come for another little while.”

One of them said he did have some and he’d go get his truck and see if we could “start her up.” He uttered a profane word or two, but in a few minutes, I was excited to be ready to roll again. I jumped out of the cab and shut the door to run around and thank these two men one last time before leaving. Just as I did close the door, I heard that familiar electronic sound of power locks. I had just automatically locked my keys, purse, and phone in the truck…and it was running! I ran back around to confirm what I already knew…every door was locked up tight. I looked at one of the old friends. He said, “Ma’am, this just ain’t your day, is it?”

“We ain’t got no locksmith in our town.” (Of course not. Of course, they don’t.) “But the sheriff’s a friend of ours. That’s who we’ll have to call. He might have to scratch up your truck a little.” (Of course he will. Of course he will scratch up my husbands new/old truck on it’s very first trip out of town.)

But, at this moment, I was thankful for my new “cussing” friend and I started a conversation while we waited for the sheriff… about my husband—where he was and what he was doing out in Texas:

“Oh, he’s a preacher, then. Well, where do y’all live?”

“We live in Huntsville, Alabama. My husband preaches  in Huntsville for the West Huntsville church of Christ.”

‘Well, I have a great niece who lives in Huntsville…really in Madison… but I can’t think of her name right now….But what have you been doing all the way down in Florida?”

“Well, my son lives down there and his wife is having a baby. So I took a cradle that my husband made and I worked on the nursery.”

“Well, what does your son do in Jacksonville?”

“He’s a preacher, too. He preaches for the Lakeside church in Orange Park.”

“Well, why are you going to Columbus?”

I thought, at this point, about reserving some information, but these two old men just didn’t seem like perpetrators of injury. So I said, “Well, that’s where my daughter lives. Her husband preaches at the Edgewood church there in Columbus.”

“Well,” he responded, “I ain’t never heard of so much religion in one family.” Then he told me about something he’d watched with emotion on television—about a father being in thankful prayer when his son was saved after being wounded in one of the school shootings.

I said, “God is so good. I’ve been talking to him several times already today.”

He said, “I bet you have. You’re needin’ to, I believe.”

(I noticed that this kind old man never cursed again. He complained about the heat and humidity. [By now, the rain had given us a short respite.] He complained that his sheriff buddy was off-duty today. He complained about the deputy taking so long. But he never used that colorful language again.)

The deputy did not have the right tool (Of course she didn’t), so we waited a while more for the back-up car to come. I was glad, that if this kind of stupidity on my part was going to emerge, that it did happen in a sweet little town where the back-up patrol was called in for the Jimmy tools.

I could hardly watch while they did the truck-scratching work. I thought of my husband’s excitement the previous week, as he told me about this new white truck he’d found “without a scratch. Somebody did hit the bumper, so the man just bought a brand new bumper to replace the old one. I mean, Cindy, this truck is pristine. I think I’ll buy this truck.”

So, instead of watching,  I went inside and bought gift cards for the men who were being so very patient and kind to me. (I did have one credit card in my pocket.) These sweet men tried to refuse the little gifts, but they’d already told me that they eat breakfast together there at McDonald’s, with the sheriff and a few more men, every day, so I knew it was a practical little thank-you gift. I insisted.

Before long I was driving on toward those sweet grand-babies. By now I looked like a homeless granny without a shelter bridge. The driving rain was back with a vengeance. But, you know, grandchildren don’t notice drenched hair or wrinkled clothes. They’re just looking to see if you brought a surprise. So I’d stop and get a frosty just before I got to Wood Duck Lane. But I would not, under any circumstances, kill the motor or get out of the truck. I’d use the drive-through.

Matthew 28:6 “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

Mary Magdalene made her way toward her Savior’s tomb. The beauty of the sunrise seemed out of place, for in her mind, all time ceased at the cross. Pain was nothing new to her, but this heartache was unprecedented. Gruesome nightmares robbed her sleep. Had it not been for the adrenaline of the past few days, she would have been unable to place one foot in front of the other. How could the Pharisees profess a godly faith yet pronounce such unspeakable tortures upon another human being? What she witnessed at the cross could never be unseen and would haunt her the rest of her life.

Oh, how Mary Magdalene loved Jesus. She owed Him everything. He had restored her life from demons, and out of gratitude she had dedicated her life to serving and following Him.

How ironic, she thought, for a garden to become the Savior’s final resting place for it held such contrast to the horrific hill of Golgotha where he took his final breath on the cross. She also considered the irony of her mission, for she would soon anoint the lifeless body of Jesus with precious oils. However, no insults would be hurled from the disciples as they had been known to do, for they were nowhere to be found.

With the daylight, Mary Magdalene arrived and froze in her tracks. Jesus’ tomb stood empty.

Hopelessness, anguish, and desperation flooded her heart when the angel said, “He is not here.” As she turned her back on the tomb, tears began to flow. But right then, in that glorious moment, words destined to change the world forever were spoken:

“He is risen!”

As she ran to tell the others, the once ugly tomb was to be immortalized as the world’s most glorious tomb.

Dear friends, what Mary Magdalene could not visualize within the hopelessness of the tomb was the eternal, everlasting Hope born from a Risen Savior – the manifestation of God’s inconceivable love.

Father God, help my life reflect the glory of the empty tomb.

Blessings,
Rita Cochrane

The culture at large has become increasingly self-centered. This is no surprise, since from the beginning, Satan has succeeded in tempting mankind to serve self by doing what we think is best and doubting God’s Word (Genesis 3:1-7). Throughout history, Satan continued to corrupt what God had made good. At times, Israel doubted, “Will God really deliver us?” “We can just worship this golden calf as our god” (Exodus 32; Numbers 14). Just within the last few hundred years, especially with the acceptance of Darwinism, man has questioned whether the Genesis record can be trusted. “Did God really make the earth in six literal days?” Today, we live in the age of thinking, “Does God really exist?” and we are seeing the fruits of atheistic reasoning. Man is his own god (2 Timothy 3:1-5)!

Therefore, in such a humanistic culture, we see the serving of self in the world every day. The media parades the philosophy of self before our eyes every time we turn on the TV or computer. Ads are full of beautiful and handsome (but often indecently dressed) individuals persuading us that we need whatever product in our lives, and many times we think to ourselves, “I could look like that and be happy like them if I bought the product.” Technology today allows us instant self-gratification. We order things for next day delivery; we download and upload whatever we want; everything is at our fingertips. Slogans such as “believe in yourself,” “do what makes you happy” and “have it your way” are common. Taking pictures of oneself has become a popular trend on social media (called selfies). What goes through our minds when we do and see these? “I’m not as pretty as she is,” “I hope so-and-so sees how beautiful/handsome I look in this picture,” “She/He is so thin; I wish I could look like that.”

The breakdown of the home is another result of the problem of selfism. Husbands and wives are so quick to divorce, not wanting to put the hard work and sacrifice into maintaining a loving marriage. Children (if they are not killed in the womb) are often left alone as parents/guardians work long hours. The list of examples could go on, but we can easily see how distracted we are with ourselves! Although some of these things are not necessarily sinful (like ordering express shipping), they do influence us, and we must ask the question whether the influence is for the better or the worse.

Some may ask, what is really wrong with such thinking? Why can’t I think about myself and let others think about themselves? The simple answer is, God’s Word teaches the opposite. We are not to always be thinking about ourselves – our feelings, our wants and even our needs. We can see this just by reading the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). As noted earlier, Satan has deceived us into believing the lie that we are most happy (and our happiness is of utmost importance) when serving ourselves. Evolution – a philosophy that teaches man arose from single-celled organisms, evolved over billions of years and has survived by being the “fittest” – has given selfism a foothold as more people accepted this lie and thus conclude “number one” must be top priority. This kind of thinking undermines Christianity, and if we are not careful, we Christians will look, walk and talk just like the world – no longer being the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16, 44-48; 6:30-33)!

What is to be done? How do Christians fight against the philosophy of self? We must be diligent students of His Word. Jesus said, “…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 NKJV). We have Truth! Not a truth but the Truth! Are we spending more time with Truth or with the distractions of this world (watching movies, playing games, hobbies, etc.)? Let us honestly evaluate ourselves where our heart is – laying up treasures on earth (serving self) or laying up treasures in Heaven (serving others). “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). We must remind ourselves every day that self-seeking is damnable (Matthew 23:25; Romans 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Colossians 2:23; 2 Peter 2:9-10). Study these passages in their respective contexts and spend time in prayer to God about overcoming self and serving God alone (Matthew 6:24; James 3:13-18; Romans 12:1-2). “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

Emily Fisher

LET’S TALK ABOUT MARTHA

I know a wonderful Christian lady that is the best of everything Martha and the best of everything Mary. She has lived her life being the perfect hostess to hundreds of people, ordinary and special. She treats them no differently. She has also lived her life being a Christian wife, mother, and grandmother and serving the Lord in whatever way possible.

When I read the story of Mary and Martha, I feel admiration for both women. I believe they were both God-fearing women who wanted to do what was right. They were both followers of Christ and women who loved our Lord and truly wanted to do what was right.

We encounter these women in Luke 10 as Jesus pays a visit to their home. In the five short verses where the introduction to them is recorded and in the verses that record the death of their brother, we see their strengths, their weaknesses, and their strong belief system.

We’ll look at Martha this week and then Mary next week. Our aim will be to find the best of both women and learn what we can about establishing spiritual balance in our lives as Christian women.

This was an ordinary household, in an ordinary town, and ordinary individuals that compose a family. Luke 10:38 tells us that the house in which they lived belonged to Martha. Her brother, Lazarus, lived with his two sisters. They lived in the town of Bethany, which was about two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:18).

The story is simple, and it is simply told. Jesus came to visit. Martha began to prepare a meal for her guests, and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to His teaching. Martha asked Jesus to make Mary help her, and Jesus made the statement that is so famous for this story. He said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (verses 41-42).

This verse is often read as though Jesus is scolding Martha. From what we know of Jesus, we can assume that His tone was not harsh. Instead, it was kind and patient. He spoke this same way when He spoke to Peter in John 21 and to Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9. He doesn’t condemn her wanting to take care of their physical needs. He just wants to make sure she understands that the spiritual is a priority.

We need to understand that Martha was probably preparing for a large group, not just Jesus. There were always some of the twelve, if not all of them, and a number of other men and women that traveled with Him. She couldn’t call Uber or the local pizza delivery to order the meal. They couldn’t go to the local Cracker Barrel for chicken and dumplings. Preparation took time, and Martha needed some assistance.

The problem for Martha was that she put the meal first. She was probably upset, maybe showed some anger at her sister; and she sees serving as the most important part of the visit. She sees Mary’s reaction to Jesus’ visit as an interference to getting the meal ready, and she asks Jesus to take sides in their family argument.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t condemn her for wanting to take care of their physical needs. He didn’t tell her not to prepare a meal. He just wanted her to know that Mary’s choice to listen was more important than preparing a meal.

Later, John tells us that Jesus loved this family. On this occasion, Lazarus has died, and Jesus’ feelings are evident. Jesus made his way to Bethany, and Mary was the one that stayed at the house with mourners while Martha went out to meet the Lord. Martha’s knowledge of Scripture is apparent as she reveals to Jesus her belief in a resurrection of the dead and the judgment. She expresses her faith that Jesus can control what happens, and she affirms that Jesus is the Son of God.

There are certainly lessons to be learned from Martha. She opened her home to many guests. She prepared food for her guests. Yes, she put too much emphasis on preparing the food and not enough on being taught. She was critical and probably angry without justification. One of the greatest lessons we learn is that she judged her sister for not doing what she did. How often do we do that? We measure someone else and their abilities and works by what we do.

Whether Martha learned from Jesus, from Mary, or from some other source, she learned. She did find time to take care of the spiritual, and we can remember her for understanding that there would be life after death.

Hospitality seems to be a forgotten art in our world today. Unfortunately, so is “sitting at the feet of Jesus.” We don’t have time to invite people into our homes or show hospitality in many other ways. But there is also the ongoing problem of taking time to studying God’s Word, and even to attend worship services.

May God help us to be like my friend who is an advocate of both hospitality and the Word.

Sandra Oliver

audio study/lecture.

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

People-watching was passing my time. Nearby stood a mother and daughter apparently playing the waiting game as well. Their conversation covered an exhausting to-do list for their day and from what I could hear, they would hardly have time to breathe. Suddenly, adding to the chaos of their schedule, the young girl excitedly added one additional item: “Stop at the store and buy whipped cream!”

Out of curiosity, the mother questioned her reason for whipped cream, to which the girl replied, “Mom, you don’t need a reason for whipped cream!”

I found her comment both confusing and profound all at the same time and I chuckled quietly from the sidelines. So, I began contemplating just what elements in life existed beyond reason and kindness was the first to come to mind.

Do we need a reason for kindness?

Is there any situation when kindness is an inappropriate response?

Does kindness ever find itself unwelcomed?

Through my reflection, I concluded that just perhaps, like whipped cream, kindness requires no reasoning. Jesus lived accordingly. He encountered unjust acts, numerous deeds of cruelty, and behavior far from kind. He was criticized, mocked, and scrutinized. Yet His words, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing,” (Luke 23:34) was proof Jesus held compassion in the same high regard as the girl held her whipped cream.

We may find ourselves today on a crash course with spiteful people generating malicious deeds. The question is, how will we respond? Our reactions will demonstrate to the world who rules our hearts. Are we guided by the compassion of Jesus or are we guided by selfish desires leading us to revenge?

Our Heavenly Father pours over us compassion beyond reasoning. When our hearts are open to the kindness and forgiveness heaped upon us, we will be incapable of containing it. Our lives will overflow His goodness upon all, even upon those whose hurtful deeds have left us scarred.

So, Sisters, the matter is settled. We do not need a reason for kindness! (And apparently, we do not need a reason for whipped cream, either!)

Father God help us overflow your compassion upon others.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

Is it okay to answer back when I’m being criticized, mocked, derided for my faith, particularly  by those who are professing the same faith?   

The answer is a resounding YES! It is usually not okay NOT to answer back. Galatians 6:1 says when we see our brethren particularly, in sin, we must attempt restoration. We must go to the person(s), in the spirit of meekness and, remembering that we are not above being tempted ourselves, try to bring the sister(s) or brother(s) who is entangled back to faithfulness. The key is the spirit—a spirit of meekness. That means I always recognize my own vulnerability to the tempter and my utter dependency on the Lord for the hope I sustain.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you, too, be tempted.

So what are some adverbs from scripture that I should consider prior to having “restoration discussions”? I think Romans 12 is a great place to go when examining my talking points. The main things I need to remember are that (1) any talk about sin in the life of another should be aimed at restoration, not self exoneration, and (2) both parties are in the exact same condition without the blood of Jesus, and (3) though my sin may be very different from the sin I am addressing, the problem of my own sin required the same blood as the sin of the one to whom I go.

Here are some adverbs that should characterize my discussing any sin with anyone:

1. I should go seriously, soberly (vs. 3).
2. I should go kindly (vs. 10).
3. I should go lovingly (vs. 10).
4. I should go prayerfully (vs. 12).
5. I should go honestly (vs. 17).
6. I should go peaceably (vs. 18).
7. I should go with goodness (vs. 21).

Switching back to Galatians 6, the next phrase is that we should bear one another’s burdens, so fulfilling the law of Christ. So, in the going, there must be in my heart the willingness to expend effort, time, talents and finances, if necessary, to help the person I’m addressing with real-life needs. That kind of “bearing” is the test of my sincerity in seeking restoration.

But attempts at restoration, when needed, are integral requirements in burden-bearing. We don’t simply have permission to address; we have responsibility. It’s part of being a family.

Cindy Colley

“I needed to find myself.” Have you ever heard someone say that? They were probably referencing a time when they needed some space or time away to think things through. What can cause a feeling of lostness, aimlessness, or an identity crisis? Perhaps it could be handling too many obligations that you never asked for. Or it could be from shouldering burdens long-term, a serious life change, or the expectations of others. Maybe we struggle with an inner critic, whispering convincingly, “you’re not good enough,” “you’re a joke,” “you don’t matter,” and “your efforts are ineffective.” On top of all of this, the world is so desperately trying to define us and its agenda-driven efforts are all around us. No wonder we as women are anxious! No wonder our young people are disillusioned! No wonder we struggle with self-doubt, intimidation, and inadequacy!

True to form, the Bible is always relevant and has exactly what we need. In the pages of God’s Word we find several “You are” passages, reminders of who we REALLY are. Let’s hide these verses in our hearts as we face the uncertainties of life. Let’s saturate the minds of our young people with these truths so they can stand strong and confident in their real, God-given identity.

Whether for personal study or in a class setting, it will be very effective to list out each thing you’re told “you are” as you go through them.

In the front of your Bible, write:

“You Are…”- Matt. 5:13-16

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Can you envision Jesus looking into the eyes of His disciples as He declares this? One of the first things He does in this powerful sermon is impress upon His followers who they are and how they will make an impact. It is no less true for every follower since.

Circle “you are” (v. 13 & 14) and underline “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Squiggly underline all of verse 16. At the end of verse 16, write 10:29-31.

…Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Even though sparrows were considered “a dime a dozen,” Jesus said the Father in heaven paid attention to each and every one. Luke’s account reads “Not one of them is forgotten before God.”

Circle “you are” and underline “of more value than many sparrows.” If you are more valuable than many sparrows, and even the hairs of your head are numbered, what does that mean for your daily walk in this world? Squiggly underline “Fear not.” In the margin, write “(see also Lk. 12:6-7,24). At the end of verse 31, write Jn. 15:3-16.

Already you are clean because of the word…I am the vine, you are the branches…you are My friends…

Circle “you are” (v. 3, 5, and 14) and underline “clean,” “the branches,” and “my friends.” The word “abide” appears about 11x, depending on your version. Draw a square around each occurrence of “abide.” In the margin, write “abide= remain; stay; live.” What are we to abide in? Look through each occurrence of the word “abide” to see. What happens when we do? Squiggly underline the answers in v. 5, 7, 10-11, 16. At the end of verse five, write 1 Cor. 3:9.

For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

Circle “you are” and underline “God’s field, God’s building.” God is causing the growth in your field (v. 7) and Christ is the foundation of your building (v. 11). “Take care how you build on it” (v. 10)! At the end of verse nine, write v. 16-17.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Circle both occurrences of “you are” and underline “God’s temple” and “that temple.” This would be a good reminder for each new day. You are God’s holy temple because His Spirit dwells in you! That should affect your attitude and your actions. At the end of verse 17, write v. 23.

And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

Circle “you are” and underline “Christ’s.” You belong to Him! At the end of the verse, write 12:27.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Circle “you are” and underline the rest of the verse. What is the significance of that? See v. 14-26. At the end of verse 27, write Gal. 3:26-29.

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith…for you are all one in Christ Jesus…

Circle all four occurrences of “you are” and underline “sons of God,” “one in Christ Jesus,” “Christ’s,” and “Abraham’s offspring.” What does that mean for you? Squiggly underline “heirs according to the promise.” You’ve been adopted by God through Christ. You are HIS heir. At the end of verse 29, write 4:6-7.

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Circle both occurrences of “you are.” Underline “sons” and “no longer a slave,” “a son,” and “an heir through God.” At the end of verse seven, write Eph. 2:19.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Circle both occurrences of “you are” and underline “no longer strangers and aliens” and “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” You belong, and you are “being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (v. 22). Let that encourage you for every tomorrow! At the end of verse 19, write 5:8.

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Circle “you are” and underline “light in the Lord.” What does it mean to walk as children of light? Make a little two-column chart. Title the left column “works of darkness” and the right column “walking in light.” Using 5:1-21, list things under each column. For example, “sexual immorality” (v. 3) would go under “works of darkness,” while “thanksgiving” (v. 4) would go under “walking in light.” At the end of verse eight, write 1 Thess. 5:5.

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.

Circle “you are” and underline “children of light, children of the day.” At the end of the verse, write 1 Pet. 2:9-10.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, the you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Circle both occurrences of “you are.” Underline “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” and “God’s people.” This letter was written to Christians who were suffering. What would each of these descriptions have meant to them? What do they mean to you? At the end of verse ten, write 1 Jn. 4:4.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Circle “you are” and underline “from God.” In verse six, John writes of the “Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” There is a clear contrast between worldly messages and Truth (see v. 1-6). You have seen for yourself what “you are” in this study. Look at that list you’ve created! Do you believe it? Take it to heart because it is trust and faith in that Truth that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4)!

Kathy Pollard

He is a young doctor with a wealth of ideas flowing through his brain. He wants his new job as head of a public hospital to mean something to him, his staff, and most of all his patients. So, he begins his tenure by firing all of the physicians on his cardiac team because of their poor performance. He chooses a new doctor to head a new cardiac unit, and he tells him to hire the best. And he does! He looks directly at the remaining staff and says, “How can I help you?” Of course, they are in shock; but one by one, staff members begin to tell this bright, enthusiastic young doctor what they need. One by one he gets them what they need to do their job effectively.

This, of course, is a fictional character in a several-season television show. Given the way our medical system works today, this program makes me wish I could have this young doctor as my doctor.

I have watched several programs in the first season, and something finally struck me that has ideas running through my brain. What if we lived our Christian life with those words constantly in our hearts and on our lips? How can I help you? To make this work, we would need to mean it, not just say it. Believe me, people know whether you mean it or not.

So, what if we put this idea into practice? How many people could we help with this attitude? We see this in Scripture in the form of compassion. We first see it as an example in Christ. When He heals the leper in Mark 1:41, He had compassion on him. When He cast out the legion of demons in Mark 5:19, He had compassion on the man. When He healed the man who could not speak, the man begged for compassion, and Jesus gave it to him. There are more examples, but it is the command of the Lord in John 15 that solidifies this idea of showing compassion. In verse 12, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” In verse 15, He says, “I have called you friends.” It is this friendship bond with Jesus that serves as the pattern for our desire to help others. If we don’t desire to help others, we don’t have friendship with Jesus.

There are people all around us that are in need. There is the young mother who would enjoy a few hours to do something just for her. There are the caregivers that would be so appreciative of a few hours to run errands while a loving Christian cares for their loved one. There are people who need a hot meal, a clean house, a yard mowed, or transportation to the doctor. All we have to do is ask, “How can I help?”

Peter also speaks to this idea of compassion. He says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (First Peter 3:8-9). Notice that he says we will receive a blessing if we do what we are called to do—show brotherly love.

There is another aspect to this idea of helping one another. It is often very difficult for some people to ask for help. That is why it is so important that we show it in our faces and that it can be heard in our voices that we truly want to help. In order to be that transparent, we are going to need practice. The more we do it, the more we will mean it, and the more our sincerity will be obvious.

Romans 12 is a foundational scripture for our attitude toward showing compassion. Here are some basic instructions for us that will help us say, “How can I help you?”

• Be living sacrifices.
• Do not be conformed to the world.
• Don’t think more highly of yourself than you should.
• Think soberly.
• Love without hypocrisy.
• Abhor evil; cleave to good.
• Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.
• Bless those that persecute you.
• Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.
• Do not be wise in your own conceits.
• Do not return evil for evil.
• Live in peace with all men.
• Don’t hold a grudge.
• If your enemy is hungry feed him; if he is thirsty, give him water.
• Overcome evil with good.

The young doctor had a mind to serve. He first had to convince his staff that he meant what he was saying. That same principle is the foundation for the Christian life. I think about the song our children sing in Vacation Bible School every year, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”  It says, “If you’re happy; and you know it, your face will surely show it.” If our heart is right, our voice will say it, and our face will show it. Now all we need to do is practice.

Sandra Oliver