Help to Stand
Scripture Reading — Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Returning from a week-long cycling trip, Steven badly wrenched his ankle on our own front steps while unpacking the car. What a welcome home! In a moment he went from feeling athletic to hobbled. How quickly things change! Yet he was well cared for as he recovered. Family, friends, and neighbors all lent a hand to help.
God does not intend for us to live in isolation. He places us within families and communities and encourages us to help each other. If someone falls, a friend can help. In dark times, it’s a comfort to know someone is caring and praying for us. A kind word or a friendly greeting can be the encouragement needed to get through a difficult day. A brief phone call, text, or email can be the blessing through which God speaks. A community that genuinely cares about one another reflects the love of God.
Like the friends of a paralyzed man who carried him to be healed by Jesus (Mark 2:1-12), or the people in Philippi who helped the apostle Paul when he was in prison (Philippians 2:25; 4:10-20), we all are given the opportunity to lift up one another. How are you doing on carrying your corner? Do you bless those in your family and in your community? Do you allow others to help you and carry you when you need it?
Lord, help us to care for one another and demonstrate your love in our world today. Help us to allow others to help. Let us be a community that reflects your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the author — Steven and Deb Koster
Steven and Deb Koster have a passion for marriages, families, and spiritual growth in the home. Both are ordained ministers in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Steven formerly served as editor of Today and director of ReFrame's English-language outreach. Deb leads Family Fire, ReFrame’s family ministry at FamilyFire.com and on Facebook. The Kosters have three children.
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