MKLJOY@aol.com

Are you sometimes bored with your life? Do you sometimes feel sorry for yourself? Are you lonely? Do you think there's nothing you can do for the Lord?

But there is something you can do! You can be a comforter. You can encourage and lift the hearts of your sisters and brothers in Christ. In fact, if you smile and show courage when you are in the midst of trouble, you may be of the greatest help to others as they see in you what the Lord can do for them.

As "Dr. Muriel," I counsel by E-Mail many hurting people all over the world for several online publications. Because I myself have suffered many things they are going through, I can assure them that the Lord can give them amazing peace, comfort, guidance, and strength in their situations.

MINISTRY OF SYMPATHETIC MESSAGE SENDING

How it brightens the day of a bed-ridden person to receive something in the mail from someone who cares! It can lift their hearts when they see the words, "I'm praying for you" or "We prayed for you Sunday in church."

MINISTRY OF VISITATION
A visit to a bedridden or elderly person is even better. Often these people sit or lie for days, weeks, or months without anyone's caring to visit. It means so much when a smiling Christian drops by and offers to pray with them and read God's Word to them.

When I lived in New Jersey, a group of us from our church went once a month to visit a home for the elderly and hold a service for them. My, how those people looked forward to our coming! You could just see how happy they were to have us there!

They would gladly turn off the television to sing hymns with us, to hear testimonies and God's Word. Many of them weren't able to get out to church. After the service we would go around to shake hands, hug them, and chat. Those dear people came to love us, and we were happy to be helping for the glory God.

MINISTRY OF PERSONAL COMFORT

Our fellow Christians often go through trying times. When they have asked others for prayer on their behalf, be able honestly to assure them, "I'm praying for you!" In fact, I often put my arm around someone's shoulder and say, "Why don't we pray together right now?" For Jesus said that whenever two of His followers asked something together, He would do it. (See Matthew 18:19). And a sincere hug and prayer lifts hearts.

Our neighbors also have troubles. By showing our concerned interest in them, we may win their confidence. As they pour out their woes to us, we may find an opportunity to point them to the Lord.
The Bible says, "Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5:13-14).

As you allow the love of Christ to flow through you toward others, you will find that your life becomes rewarding and exciting. You won't have time to dwell on your own problems. You won't be lonely. You will be too busy thinking and praying for others who need your help and the Lord's. You will also be doing something that is well-pleasing to your Lord.
Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28).

Copyright Muriel Larson