Attention Please
…to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
A few years ago a church asked me to teach for their women. They said that they had many “hurting women” in their congregation and they didn’t feel that they were ministering to them as they should.
We did a retreat called “Beauty from Ashes.” In the lectures we talked about the Balm of Gilead from the book of Jeremiah and how God took Habakkuk from fear of the future to faith in whatever God did. We looked at the life of Joseph and saw how God took all that pain and used it powerfully for the good of His people.
Then, to wrap up the goodness of the Lord in our difficulties, we looked at how He can take our ashes and turn them into a beautiful headdress and the oil of gladness (Isaiah 61:3 {ESV above]).
In recent weeks I have been hearing many stories of Christians in very difficult circumstances. These have ranged from difficult issues in marriage to drug overdoses, crashing relationships, and financial hardships.
These people are in our pews on Sunday mornings. They sit with us looking fine. They wear a pleasant smile and carry their Bibles. Everything appears to be good but there is a lot pain being hidden.
Are we ministering to these people?
I fear we have become the “get out of church fast” generation. We are not taking time to ask anyone how things are going. We might even think we already know because we see what they put on social media. We assume that the appearance is what is real and we make judgments based on it.
It was impressive that a woman in that church at which I spoke was just looking around and could see that there were many issues that were not being addressed – neither by those experiencing them nor the people of God who sat with them every week.
This time of year can be difficult for those who are experiencing troubles. Losing a parent, suffering an illness, family or relationship issues, (the possibility of things wrong could cover a huge span of issues).
Will you engage others after your worship services? Don’t just see how well “put together” they look but ask how they are, read their body language. If they said something on Facebook about a problem or a loss, ask them about it. Show compassion, wait for answers. Don’t be in a hurry.
I’m asking that we stop and listen to our neighbor this week. We can be ambassadors for Christ; merciful, compassionate, building them up, and encouraging them to seek Him and His kingdom first – and then He will add the things they need. (Matthew 6:33’ 14:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Who needs your attention – in or outside the church?
❤, well said. Thank you for helping me really look at others and see their need.
Thank you forreminding me to look at others and see their need.
Thank you, Sharon for reading and commenting. I hope I can slow down and pay attention to who is around me, too.
Thanks you for this timely reminder. I would also say that it is important that we not give up on hurting people. Think of how many times God listens to us with some of the same problems over and over again. Yet He does not grow tired or weary! What an example. I want to have that attitude when reaching out to those in need even though it gets wearisome at times. I appreciate these excellent words! Thank you!
Great point, Tricia, We all grieve and heal on different timetables.
This is something that has been troubling me for a long time. I agree with you completely, our modern day church going experience is not conductive at all to developing proper Christian relationships and fellowship. Thank you for bringing this issue to light in this post. It does not take much to stop, pay attention, ask the right questions and, most importantly, listen.
Thanks Galina, I have often wondered about how much pain sits in our pews unnoticed and unheard. Hoping to encourage us all to love one another.
Thanks for commenting.
Yes, Galina! I love, “Show compassion, wait for answers. Don’t be in a hurry.” Such simple encouragement, yet how rare a gift these words have become. Blessings to you!
Thank you for providing this reminder to people. Church is another place where people feel like they have to put a “face” on, but that is never how it was originally intended to be. Instead of asking people how they are after church I always ask how I can pray for them, it tends to bring peoples real life out more.
Jessie, Asking how to pray for someone is a great idea! It cuts tot eh root.
Thanks for adding it to the ways we can minister to those who worship with us!
Yes, I have felt this calling too! Trying to change the culture and mindset of “hurry” on Sunday mornings in particular. I’ve taken to driving separately to church from my family because I feel so strongly about staying afterwards to listen, connect, minister, be ministered to. Thanks for your encouragement on this topic!
I like to call this “Messy Christianity.” It requires for us to be willing to get messy and get involved in the lives of others. It means we might have to set aside our plans in order to meet someone for coffee or stay a little longer at church to talk to someone. thanks for the reminder!
You got it, Luisa! Sacrifice is involved. Glad it was a reminder for you – and not a new concept!
You’re welcome, Jamie, Hopefully, your family will follow your example and join you at some point. You are setting an important example of loving your neighbor.
Beth, this is a great reminder to take the time to really interact with people beyond the superficial. It is easy to ‘church and run’ but that’s not what Jesus would do, and it’s not what we’re called to do, either. Thank you for your ministry.
This is such an important responsibility of the church toward those who are suffering. You do well to urge us all to remember to show compassionate kindness toward those around us, rather than running out the door. We never know what pain others are feeling, no matter how well dressed or even with smiles pasted on their faces.
Thanks Brianna, I might have to borrow your phrase “church and run” as it describes this problem well. I appreciate the comment.
Melinda, It’s true that nice clothes and superficial smiles can be deceiving. Thanks for the encouragement.
Dear Beth!
I liked reading about how you used the story of Joseph while teaching these women in the church.
Your blog post reminded us of the fact that we don’t know many of the struggles among our brothers and sisters.
My focus around Christmas-time is with those who feel lonely without a family here where we live.
Blessings!
Edna Davidsen
Thank you, Beth, for this important reminder to look outside of our own hurts to see those right beside who are certainly also hurting. We all need the comfort of the Lord that we can only find in a church family. But sometimes we forget that we need to be the comfort for someone else, too. God bless you and your heart for the Lord and His people!
Thanks Melissa, We do forget yet it take so little. Thanks for the encouraging words!
Edna, Good call. People who are alone at Christmas need others to see that. Glad you can do that in your own church! Beth