Physical illness and injury can be a devastating experience to most people. When your body seems to fail you it is difficult to maintain hope, to keep believing that everything will work out. Knowing someone going through the struggles of poor health can leave us feeling helpless, that there is nothing we can do.
But in fact we can offer kindness to people who are struggling.
Today’s passage actually contains two stories of Jesus offering healing. Who comes to Jesus? What is the problem? As Jesus is going to the home of Jairus, who comes up behind Jesus? What happens? What does Jesus say to her?
What news do Jesus and Jairus hear before they arrive at the house? How does Jesus react? What does Jesus do with the girl? What instructions does Jesus give in verses 55 and 56?
With the woman who has experienced bleeding for twelve years, the very presence of Jesus provides healing. Yet, Jesus makes a comment to her in verse 48 – “Your faith has healed you.” This sentiment is brought up again when Jairus hears that his daughter is dead. Jesus tells him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
We cannot offer the type of miraculous healing that Christ has given. And there are so many who tell those who are sick that their illness, or inability to be healed, equals a lack of faith. But we can offer chrestotes to those we know who suffer, not by insisting that they have faith, but by having faith ourselves. If we can spend time with them exhibiting our own confidence and trust in God, then this can be an act of kindness that gives encouragement without words.
In dealing with the little girl, Jesus not only brings her back to life, he tends to her physical needs. He instructs the parents to get her something to eat. Making certain that she has the comforts of a good meal is an example of chrestotes shown to the girl. It is a sweet, gentle gift beyond the miracle of healing.
We can offer chrestotes to those who suffer by working to ensure that they have the physical needs and comforts they may desire. We can’t offer miracles, but we can offer kindness in small gifts of tending to another – providing a blanket, a soft pillow, a special food – anything that may improve their physical situation.
Chrestotes does not involve major miracles. Instead it involves gentle hands providing small gifts.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Visit someone in the hospital, in their home, or in a retirement community and bring them something that will give them joy.
No comments:
Post a Comment