She is a small-town...
Illustration
Object:
She is a small-town mother who recently lost her son. She visits the young man's grave
almost every day, sometimes twice daily trying to cope. Her grief is strong and palpable.
Only a parent who has suffered similarly can know the intensity of a loss such as hers and
understand also the concomitant guilt, fear, and feelings of inadequacy. Despite her
unique pain, many townspeople, including fellow church members, criticize her frequent
graveside visits. "She needs to get on with her life," they say.
The censors know little about bereavement; they also know little of a Christian's role in respect to other members. Instead of provoking "one another to love and good deeds," they simply provoke others with their wagging tongues and ill-conceived advice. They offer not encouragement, but disparagement.
This passage should be required reading for all church members every six months, as should the Bible's comments about gossips.
The censors know little about bereavement; they also know little of a Christian's role in respect to other members. Instead of provoking "one another to love and good deeds," they simply provoke others with their wagging tongues and ill-conceived advice. They offer not encouragement, but disparagement.
This passage should be required reading for all church members every six months, as should the Bible's comments about gossips.
