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I watched Whatsapp statuses from beginning to end yesterday. I usually don’t watch to the end, but I did yesterday. And at the end of it all, I asked myself,

“What did you just see?”

And I answered,

“I just saw what is happening in people’s homes, minds, hearts and lives!”

I saw pictures, videos, memes and internet links. They portray people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, and other occasions; some were songs of praise God, songs of encouragement, and new song compositions; others were just advertisements for goods and services; some were asking for help or direction on certain issues of concern; some just wanted to vent; others were just quotes, course jokes, insinuations, and snide remarks; some were simply prayers, or requests for prayers; yet others were funeral posters and announcements.   

I realized that everyone had something of particular importance to them. But that is not all there is.

The ones that post issues on their statuses and storylines are the ones that are bold enough to put them out there; the extroverted, and the vocal. There are thousands more out there, some not even on social media, whose stories we will never hear. Some, will tell you when you ask; others you need to prod for a while to get something out of. Some will die with them!

The world is a mixed bag of issues. So before you judge someone, make efforts to know their story. Don’t just label them cold, anti-social, bluffs or whiners! They might be going through  things that would shock you!

I remember I had not heard from a friend in a while; then, to touch base, I decided to send him a series of jokes on a Friday! His response immediately changed the conversation. He had an impending major surgery the coming Monday! If I had sat, prototyped him and expected him to get in touch first, I would have lost the opportunity to encourage and support him through that difficult period of his life.   

In the middle of the Covid-19 confusion and uncertainty, on March 31 precisely, I received a note from one parent which said,

Wanted to drop in a personal note to enquire, about your well being. 

Hope you & your family are doing well and all your loved ones are safe and sound.

Pray that we all emerge out of the current situation strongly and with good health.

Please take care, stay at home and be safe.

Best Wishes

*Quophy Shua*

The Covid-19 disrupted every life, and I was very touched by the gesture. So you can imagine what it would have done for someone who was on the verge of breakdown, and needed serious support and encouragement!

Joshua could have written me off as that “The annoying guy who dumps devotionals here every morning!” but he recognized I was also in the Covid-19 world, and checked on me! I very much appreciated it, and I am very grateful to all those who check on me. I don’t take them for granted!

What does Bible tell us about how to keep the bond of fellowship?

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 NIV)

Very concise advise from Paul and Timothy, to the Thessalonians.

1. Warn the idle and those who cause confusion.

2. Encourage the disheartened and discouraged.

3. Help the weak.

4. Be patient with everyone.

5. Don’t revenge (pay wrong for wrong): whether real, or perceived!

6. Strive to do what is good for everyone else (What you think is good for you, do for others too).

If we do these, there is absolutely no way we will not find those that are discouraged. or in trouble and need help; and support them through their difficulties. By all means reach out, and let them know you care.

If calls don’t work, use chats; if chats don’t work, use SMS; if SMS doesn’t work, go over; if that doesn’t work, leave a handwritten note where they would see it; and tell them how much you care, and how concerned you are.

Let us look out for one another, instead of staying aloof and being critical.

MEMORY VERSE

“Strive to do what is good for everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)

QUESTIONS

1. Do you feel someone is staying away from you or avoiding you?  

2. How many times, and in how many ways, have you tried reaching out?

PRAYER TIP

Father, please help us to be patient with one another, and help one another.

Written by:

BENNY MALM

For:

TESTIMONY DEVOTIONAL

URGENT CALL

If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Personal Savior, you need to do that now!

Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance.

We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page. God bless you.

🌹 SPECIAL GRATITUDE 🌹

Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website. 

We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled. 🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♀️

We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission.