Did You? |

Many more times than I would like to remember, I’ve heard the following (or something like the following):

“Only one or two people have visited me since I’ve been in the hospital.”
“I haven’t been attending regularly for quite some time, but nobody has checked on me.”
“I (or one of my family members) is unable to get out of the house much, but nobody has visited, called, written a note, or communicated in any way.”
“A relative (or friend) very close to me passed away. I was very disappointed by the small number from our congregation at the visitation and funeral service. I am also disappointed and hurt because nobody has checked on me since then.”
“I see people talking to one another before and/or after worship services, but nobody makes any effort to talk to me.”
“My friend/relative visited here recently and only one or two people even spoke. Nobody made an effort to make him/her feel welcome.”
“I (or a family member) had surgery recently. I understand that the waiting room is full of people from here when some people go through this, but only a couple of people were there for and my family.”

Maybe you’ve made some of those statements. If so, may I ask some questions?

When somebody you knew was in the hospital, did you visit?
When somebody else became sporadic in their attendance, did you check on him/her?
When a loved one of a member of the congregation passed away, did you go to the visitation, attend the funeral service, send a card, or do anything to demonstrate concern and support?
Every congregation seems to have people often referred to as “shut-ins.” Did you ever contact one of them in any way?
Before or after a worship service, did you ever make an attempt to engage anybody else in conversation?
When somebody decided to visit one of our Bible classes and/or worship assemblies, did you make any effort to greet them and get to know them?
When a brother or sister in the Lord (or a friend) had surgery, did you take the time to sit with the family, visit, or do anything to let them know you cared?

I suppose I could go on, but I’ve probably written more than enough already. Besides, as is always the case, our Lord said it much better than I ever could and didn’t take nearly as many words to do so:

Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets (Matt. 7:12).

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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn