CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER …

by Dr. Randy Tompkins

Luke 6:38

It has been interesting to watch events of the past several weeks unfold and happen. Some events are forever etched into the memory bank of our minds even though we would like to discard those images. Other images are also permanently with us and we are glad to replay them on the screens of our mind.

Recently events took place that my wife, Marlene, and I will always treasure. On a Sunday evening, she was diagnosed with Covid-19. By the next day, several members of our church family were pouring love over our family in the form of calls, cards and food.

Marlene and I have been in one form of ministry or another for over fifty years. We have seen church members respond to a need. Some responded because they were expected to do so, and others responded to make sure they were seen participating. Still others responded out of genuine love. What we experienced from our church family these past few weeks gives proof these folks are in the last category mentioned.

It is very humbling for a person who has been in ministry for a long time and accustomed to giving help, compassion and Christian love to those in need to be on the receiving end of such actions. I understand the blessings that come from giving. This experience has reminded me of the blessings that come from the receiving process.

To our church family, Marlene and I say thank you.

I would say to those who are reading this, if you are not a part of a group that will shower blessings on you during a time of need, you need to seek to find such a group. God can truly bless you through such a group.