Christians should have compassion.  James writes, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27, NASU).  Paul is direct: “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness…,” (Colossians 3:12).

Compassion takes many forms, I suppose.  One of those is how we care for brethren who find themselves alone in a hospital room.  They are hurting and perhaps facing a very difficult future.  It’s at times such as these, that many are challenged in their faith.  Others have perhaps wandered in their faith and now find themselves refocusing. 

How do we respond?  How should we respond?  Compassion is not always easily communicated.  Our words can make a mess of our intentions.  For this reason our Elders have invited a guest speaker to be with us next Sunday in order to reveal a brotherhood ministry that seeks to equip Christians to serve those at local hospitals.

Life Chaplaincy began as a ministry in Houston many years ago as one of our sisters there simply sewed pillows for patients at MD Anderson.  This ministry has grown tremendously and now is in place at several hospitals in Fort Worth.  I hope you will make plans to be here next week.  The Elders have asked us to combine all the adult classes into the auditorium for the first lesson at 9:30 to be followed by the second lesson during our worship service.  I look forward to seeing you and hearing a great class and lesson next week.