Ministering to Others – Beloved Women – September 29, 2023
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“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1Peter 3:8 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT
Have you experienced a time when you needed a friend to listen? Recently, a friend shared about how another friend tried to fix her problem by quoting scriptures. My friend that needed help is well versed in Scripture. What she really needed was compassion and a listening ear.
Many times, when a friend in trouble reaches out, our first instinct is to fix the problem. We want the person to get on with it and not deal with how they are feeling. Trials and troubles often touch us on an emotional level that leaves us in distress. At such times, we may be unable to cope and recover quickly.
David, who wrote many of the Psalms, did not censor his emotions. When he was in distress, he vented to the Lord (Psalm 69). As David shared his honest feelings with the Lord, his perspective shifted, and many of his Psalms end with expressions of his trust in God. When ministering to others, let’s endeavor to share godly truth with compassion, gentleness, and a listening ear.
PRAY
Lord, teach me how to encourage others when they face difficulties. Help me show compassion and share the gifts of presence, active listening, and Your love. In Jesus Christ Name, I pray. Amen.
REFLECT
How will you minister to those in distress in a way that acknowledges their feelings and models godly compassion?
RELATED RESOURCE
Don’t let a busy life stop you from spending time in God’s Word. The LIFE Bible Journal is here to help you experience the benefits of intentionally studying the Bible. Each study page guides you through your personal Bible study helping you to practically understand and apply God’s Word to your everyday life. See how simple and rewarding Bible study can be with the LIFE Bible Journal. Click here to get your LIFE Bible Journal today!
CONNECT
Find more encouragement from Tope Keku at www.hiddentreasuresandriches.com.
© 2019 by Tope Keku. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
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Originally published Friday, 29 September 2023.
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