CARING FOR THE SUFFERING

I Cor. 12:26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

The question that comes to my mind as I think about this verse is, "Do we suffer with those amongst us who suffer?" It is so easy to get so caught up in our own lives that we neglect those who really need someone to come alongside of them and care as they go through their suffering. Regardless whether the suffering is physical, financial, emotional, mental, or spiritual, it helps to know someone really cares. Many of us mask our sufferings. We pretend all is well when it really isn't. We keep things to ourselves that should never be kept. How can we expect the comfort that comes from Christ when we shut others out?

People are the means in which the Lord often addresses our needs. He hears and answers our prayers through the help others can give. It makes no sense at all to suffer alone when the Lord provides others in the body to help us.

Granted, there is always the risk that someone will not act in a godly way towards us. There is the possibility that some who claim to be in need really aren't in need. There are some who will take advantage of others and bleed them dry under false pretenses. However, can we justify not helping one another out in times of need simply because of the behavior of some? It would rob the body of the joy of living out the Gospel. We need to be wise and discerning, but not cold-hearted.

Look around you. Is there anyone in the church whom you know is suffering? Do you care enough about them to suffer with them? What about you? Are you suffering? Don't deny others the opportunity to show their love for you by keeping silent. We are in this together. No part of the body should ever suffer alone.