Missed Opportunity

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5: 20

A recent experience weighs heavily on my heart. The Lord has impressed upon me to share this occurrence. Too often Christians will find themselves in similar situations. May the Lord forgive our weakness in failing to act promptly when given the chance to share Christ’s love. Please read the following with a receptive attitude.

He entered through the side door close to the front of the church sanctuary. The worship music had already begun, so he quickly sat on the first empty pew. Not looking around, he bowed his head and wrapped his arms around his body. By outward appearance, he was an aged man who had not bathed for some time. His clothing was well-worn and stained. He sat motionless through the music service. When the Pastor approached the pulpit and asked everyone to stand and open their Bibles to read God’s word, the man stood and quietly exited through the same door he had entered several minutes before. He did not return. The worship service continued without him.

I noticed this man slip quietly through the doorway of the sanctuary. I watched as he sat down within the reach of a handshake from my seat. I observed his posture and recognized how uncomfortable he appeared. In my mind, I resolved to speak to him, extend my hand in fellowship, and welcome him to church. I would do so directly after the worship service.

But he left.

Before I could follow through with my good intentions, he left and I missed the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with him. Because I didn’t want to disturb others sitting close to me, I delayed reaching out. My hesitation caused me to stumble when I felt God’s direction. The moment for action was gone.

May the Lord open the door for another chance for this man to learn more of Christ.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the opportunities to share Your love. When You call on me to act in faith, please give me the courage to step forward immediately.

Friendship

“And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
"And Jonathan Saul’s son arose and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” 1 Samuel 23:15-16

Many wise and intelligent scholars, doctors, and scientists have studied the subject of relationships for years. A chemical in the brain is said to trigger the level of response and the type of love for those who share a bond. The interesting thing about this is that it’s not unique to humans. Animals feel love too.

They can have relationships with other animals and with humans. Our Lord has instilled that emotion in all creatures.

Friendship is probably the best word to describe how the seed of love grows to become a relationship. As it grows, it will branch out into different paths. Some friendships last for a season during a time of transition, such as school or a job. Others will last a lifetime through many seasons of good times and hard times. We need all levels of relationships in our lives, but the truest reflection of God’s love is biblical friendship.

The story of the bond between Jonathan and David is an excellent example of such friendship. Love, stronger than a blood kinship, knit these two men together. They shared a love for God and recognized the role each of them would play in the Lord’s plan for the Israelites.

Biblical friendship isn’t limited to the Old and New Testaments, however. Here are three defining characteristics of a biblical friend:

Be present. Provide an arm to lean on, an ear to listen, and a heart to care. Just as Jonathan was there to support David, present in his time of trouble, we can give that presence too.

Pray every day for your friend. Talk to God on your friend’s behalf. God already knows the needs, but this keeps you aware of it, too. The more you share the burden, the lighter the load will become.

Protect through reassurance. Encourage your friend with the knowledge that all is possible with our Lord. Many times, the stress of life will cause one to retreat into a world of isolation.

Jonathan was there to help David through one of the darkest times of his young life. He was present. He prayed and protected his friend. The love of God was reflected in his actions. We can follow this biblical friend’s example in our own lives.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the biblical friends in my life. Help me to follow the example of Jonathan and David with all my friends.