Dear Friends,
Recently, Bonnie and I took a Red Cross first aid course. The instructor taught us to make sure the area was safe before rendering assistance. She emphasized the important of dialing 9-1-1 and spoke about the legal requirement to obtain permission before touching a conscious victim. She then taught the proper way to administer the Heimlich maneuver, CPR, and wound care. As she was finishing the section on wound care, she asked, “What would you do if you were walking down the street and noticed someone who was trimming the grass accidentally cut off their big toe?” To add emphasis, she tossed a bloody plastic toe on the floor.
When no one responded to her question, she explained that you should place the toe in a plastic bag with egg white, whole milk, or coconut milk; mark the person’s name, the date and time on the bag, and make sure it gets to the hospital with the victim. One student raised his hand. “I don’t normally carry plastic bags or a magic marker when I walk, and finding milk or egg whites might be difficult. Wouldn’t it be easier to just call a tow truck? (Laugh)
Don’t worry. I’ve decided to keep my day job and not become a stand-up comic. Since the “tow truck” story really happened, I thought you might enjoy a bit of levity, besides it leads to this week’s topic.
It would be helpful if churches offered a first aid course — a first aid course for Christians who want to help a brother or sister in Christ who struggles with doubts. As with the Red Cross first aid course, the first step might be to make sure the area is safe. Check to make sure that you are prepared to proceed with love, faith, and mercy.
Pray: LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11 (NLT)
Then, make sure you’re confident in your faith. It may be wise to check in with your spiritual 9-1-1: a pastor, a deacon, or another Christian brother or sister.
Next, ask yourself, “Can I listen non-judgmentally, guided by love?”
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2
“May I help?” is a gentle way to begin. Sometimes people want, or even need to work things out on their own. Grief, anger, fear or embarrassment may prevent a free-flow of communication. If you find they are open to your involvement, remember that listening is more healing than your words. Let them talk.
Avoid Band Aid answers. Not everyone is in a place where they are ready to accept “All things work together for good.” Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you prayerfully walk with them through their issues.
I found the following post on a Christian blog.
“You want to believe in God. At one time, it was so simple. God loved you and you loved God. And that was it. For a season, you were committed to Christ. But the season passed. Unfortunately, life hit you hard and you began to have doubts. Your doubts grew and your faith shrunk. It was like a cancer that no amount of prayer could stop. You turned to the church for answers, but your issues were never fully addressed. You were an inconvenience, rather than a person who needed sincere help. Your doubt about God’s love and his very existence was unfathomably uncomfortable to others. Somewhere along the line, it seemed like you were forgotten. Forgotten by God. Forgotten by your church. Forgotten by other Christians.”
Like the father in Mark 9:24, this young man was crying out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” He felt abandoned. Would you have been able to help him? Is your spiritual first aid kit packed and ready? You can show your heart for Jesus by learning how to help others know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit? 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)
Verse for the week: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 