by Chris Elrod
Please take some time to visit a shut-in widow or widower. It’s a simple task that can make a real difference. The kind of difference Christ has called us to make! Ephesians 2:10 describes our purpose as Christians, it says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. The type of work that makes a difference in people’s lives. Galatians 6:10 tells us to do good to everyone as we have the opportunity, but to especially do good to those in “the household of faith.”
I believe we all want to do good, and we all want to make a difference. The problem is with that word “opportunity.” Our opportunities feel too limited. We are all super busy. We work all day. There are a million and one things to do around the house. Not to mention we are exhausted. By the time we get home, all we feel like doing is putting our feet up and trying to relax. Saturdays are the one day we can finally do what we want to do. And those come too rarely and end too quickly.
We can absolutely make excuses. We can absolutely justify ourselves and rightly declare we have no time. Or we can rise above the excuses and make time for those who could use a visit. I sometimes think about what it would be like to be in their shoes, rarely leaving the house and often alone. I know if I were in that position, I would want people to come and visit me. I know I would love having people come see me. I know I would be so excited to talk with people and be so encouraged by their visit. Put yourself in their shoes and then meditate on the golden rule. “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 7:12. If you would want people to visit you, then it seems you should visit others.
Making a visit might not change the political landscape, lead to a baptism, or result in world peace, but it will certainly put a smile on a brother or sister’s face. It will brighten their day or even their week and be a huge source of encouragement to them. Visiting those who are shut-in is a meaningful and impactful way to make a difference in someone’s life. Please take some time to visit a shut-in widow or widower this week and in the weeks to come.
James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”